Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlpwshNLQD
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW7AUySlVR
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Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbijzrjMLv
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"What are you doing!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCEU9Ki0Nt
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaPq9SSX1W
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLIU846qxg
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWvkNDWF1U
**BOOM**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXqXVqdDPM
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxO3OdkYCc
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUBPUypQ9P
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"Ngh, damn it!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26r4w5Y02j
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Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD0rUrtt4E
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s7mQLDrzZ
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlojdj7wyi7
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKzZDOIL5j
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ5dExPqij
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqXMjIvDCE
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLPdvJWgOc
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaV3xtmY7X
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"--Damn it! Rover!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQHLvHgNmi
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I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp0jaPdBo6
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks9oFq3jcG
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMqmIqIsMC
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3JrsKUv7V
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj32wv4c5qM
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQR3TfxjfV
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4OV1wOgMx
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQCHdmHW8P
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRirBwJLdUG
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkYfPqLDot
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQGLZdVrmH
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5UOZAMmAa
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"Huh? Juke? What are you–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDZHS4wrg4
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLQw2Js59n
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRtPEEo9VP
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed6DQutjFc
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgUiG4LxS4
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"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFPGYhPuVL
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nHPeN0x5O
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvQ8T5Qdig
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDx8NGG41C
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4sgysc6K9
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j0Z0N2VMt
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnaUheKBJW
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33mF486W5c
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6myq9V9u31
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1GGEYLOdp
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEvtnoOIot
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1zCB1UrPl
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"Hey, Kenny!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBXtm9ZNJm
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Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNRljRQX6V
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"I-Is she okay?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GYve92izB
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"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLtEWAtGVZ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡampQ4JoATn
"I don't know what that is!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpde8N40kKL
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9ceQ3idkt
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qjhLBb57i
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Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Fgb0c3RZ
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Though, that did raise the question–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eCrdtvpvZ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK287nTwjcR
"Do you know where you're going!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8839ZogNnS
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MNWMXJ4N6
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZosLnWnsz
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeqTXsM0ib
"Ah– where is Dennis?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlGwuExs5G
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"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPccy3wkmY
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9oKbdfWjO
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldKXHZhJd8
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"Shit."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkJ97OW6Y5
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Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr7OqtAHbX
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuVl7YlmrB
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmtrdqkTQV
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdXzjpcAZf
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"...Alright."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5dYIps30L
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPSZWbQ4NC
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6jJAZw9bv
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"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPm7hSFi5B
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I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLhYr6hVps
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkwVs1Ch9T
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBMZOKcjbE
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4ERrNBigz
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The man stopped speaking.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlroY1BE8Ii
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"Alright, carry on, then."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuIYmKaepM
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"...Eh?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt4PN7cJKc
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I shared in his confusion.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡranRemsmFO
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDW0v8kgBU
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"I-If ya say so!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLU7bdKppo
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Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6JbyEWfEZ
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYa8C9k5lw
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And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGyGL9pQxW
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPvsE59YzA
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In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNyqILqe9V
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I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMs3Rmb27g
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNgNeFtpuK
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"Damn it, kid!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04UVJy5FWm
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Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
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I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnHFea8t4D
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**SMASH**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5iNuEmt96
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I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlRxSvWW0V
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGpZxjeAmj
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Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb49xHgk6BQ
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The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpRNfQCUSP
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At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GFW7B7Y99
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t1AhSaRxF
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The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9jOZRWdx5
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFelkGBwkP
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrpVlkCpYY
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Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbUhnbzK7k
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr4ohpdqKD
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkg6lfZyXe
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Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVZF4v5Xpy
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKjdMC7IxQ
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUYwJHISdE
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"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNU6MnSZLP
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxANYIi58O
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S1Am8LA2S
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cu7ZZwixm
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"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqkiVYznNk
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0cC4cz4nr
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohwZEBx9M5
"Like I'll let ya do that!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHDvjyhWlO
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But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGPDv1PgfO
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"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbRSqtnLiP
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Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO9muLsY2f
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoiFHegMIF
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DE3XDIwjB
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekc0m3zyMM
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSGd68bqb0
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7TsmJRQI8
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiZHTPwMR8
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqtaDxN0rK
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X0cIt0Z8U
"--Hrk!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps8t0l89uc
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoulCoDipC0
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFBcvaWCh4
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf3kLHdyJ0
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY0Gj2yxf4
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kuVQzNKc2
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHCIk4I3j9
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4BgnMdis4
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mWZyp3SzD
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhmFAg087G
"Whatever!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKI9Ck5ZAy
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGkc7F0ILm
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nxnd1Jxq9
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvpA714RVS
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Dcpvcsbjx
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7Y19ByTui
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OBKQMTY4r
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgMEuWQ44P
Dread, worry, guilt–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyCSEWhqEU
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyvSGKHFj6
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG2YZyyjN3
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yL37dZJGd
"...R-Right!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxpUsLHwtj
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKyPjwubgx
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVDfqgXNTA
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKsV9Q5jOL
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz93IBYDim
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwI9eA6iY1
**SLAM**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwiZcpEHRP
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOfwhClmXn
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjRPPENEag
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1yV315BVR
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspCGVe4Bpn
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43nFuU5gYz
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzSsevcOPX
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezraqzkaM3
"--Ugh!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrorU78Nvx
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJh4x5VIVc
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTYOSDyA9S
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy1dWD9CAF
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK4WIgvB1T
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd63M7t2GF
**SMASH**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PAVcOjyE9
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag9vqNWlI1
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4QBnrZHW1
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O2Gvo1GOu
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMdldR3L0Z
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85uVx4Wpcx
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA7UAicMQX
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHdRFKLWGi
"Ah! Sorry!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy01NBt1o0
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl7qV5gCaC
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOyHN7WMLS
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ116AJQJ6SW
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUELCKYM82
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxCIbeDctg
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nGHHiSkER
"N-No, that's not it."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7oaYMsj5W
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL4trnbL6J
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxOzBi0fp3
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEoleWUQme
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFsVnjQaWL
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHydhdwHhh
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
