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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMttmNck7C
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNgNQVXX8f
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s9qVAks9b
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6qqUqPS6l
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XkTVQTK3C
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0mu9A0KFn
"What are you doing!?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW8mjv682n
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYyKZHKofM
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5ROi1M01J
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIhvNIhujN
**BOOM**165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz54snUqh2
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWwwcqgW52
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSavmtUdHFt
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ew8EIECMO
"Ngh, damn it!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLZf30yRpq
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV3JHicb3N
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TfTUc1lRF
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY96BY5RXR
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21d2ygbfjE
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWhuMIV9VY
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sXuW3mLVd
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5R74fFDQa
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtOluHPJWi
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSa5XY2W5w
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv4Z6oLLaM
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo1aZxSvpV
"--Damn it! Rover!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmfIipgTkU
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl0i3htTfh
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSwtyKh5t0
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPGwMGgax9
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MnT1mAny9
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FJ9w0OgsX
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43tCJZsdfq
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP4oXf2yKl
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBHtVG9KBB
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK4Rvk9wdx
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbKJf1V9S2
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1AERrOju0
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBfDz4nc4D
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgzzbatgxs
"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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbPUBDSVdu
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQILD4hY4yj
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxuScie4Fw
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N5Yr9rFta
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb79LiT4ekn
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNXmD1fHvq
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnVgcS7YKG
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspwDjq5SZ4
"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?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9RjSyQlWB
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpfMCBEbVI
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCvCjRGQUN
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6beQtWRl7
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOsmfpg2UK
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡascyCJAgGL
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTssuDVuYr9
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mFh1YgtYl
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlQYbCjRoM
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17EjPHeT65
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc1rhRvadA
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PqPSUFmIj
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg86V7WBVn
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79H6mVGApz
"Hey, Kenny!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhpvgAiIqO
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSQxjAEcKc
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuySmJpcll
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoU0r5YzpW
"I-Is she okay?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAiUEXATHu
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkkET8vB5Q
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1Z2iQzwxE
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVsTybCmRb
"I don't know what that is!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrBomcutMG
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWEO7053oZ
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOzxP8IFGW
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5ecgXjrEx
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzvzKhExq3
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcfumlAC7I
Though, that did raise the question–165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2zJE0YpE4
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1VKM83G0N
"Do you know where you're going!?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq7WrNZaQc
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cqponlrlz
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1Nn9t3gbh
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FLqH0SfIB
"Ah– where is Dennis?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFKYdYndOD
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZxw1fbaBd
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOIYiEei04
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2P3rVeoL4
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–165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nuzZXiOPi
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFghd44BF9
"Shit."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKhuV3qWtt
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPaIk52iZD
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9AhRXDXdK
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOZDjCdncB
"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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q3pTfAgI5
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxy3eGq8MP
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDiA6z4jfG
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGzJxoIIH6
"...Alright."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rQ8VUxbC0
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR4FyNFUQj
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXK29pSMmc
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0TLh4iDHl
"Alright, I'll take yer question."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4Z2i5smup
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCpWKGAdZb
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP5wUW9qKE
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJTyaGqwrY
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq05bhnVTU2
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcwWeTA4Sg
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7qwj65gsW
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuqfW5wopG
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B3Tm5HiZy
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Qyu3sS3g
The man stopped speaking.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDbex8lszP
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsGfJVyTtS
"Alright, carry on, then."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z7aI3qYKk
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX6dcLsMRw
"...Eh?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLM9XFj29I
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RYEmocs95
I shared in his confusion.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FhX911tKR
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZCdHhIoXc
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVGa1yLwCf
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzdVpPgNEB
"I-If ya say so!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO4McbpSS5
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRu4zAx43W
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–165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSGHsXy2SO
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSVjQJDfGl
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡud8tYmpJQi
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDRDAte0gA
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFkG4LJFLU
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2igLn96ukm
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILKvXzCnVp
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x2ICaJcdm
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2pXSeaNYA
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9KuFvaUX9
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirURczzwnV
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILLaBzMp4M
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLjKml1l0R
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r6gppBCPO
"Damn it, kid!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBdu1Ybq30
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNNvlsN4mU
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.
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRBtx8sfu5
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSKHPuwkkn
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY2FDommYy
**SMASH**165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXIfZvURDE
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgGCjBHlWx
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s9DbaehBF
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JZ5YCcFMU
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o3yvJ0F2d
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqlWBoeO1N
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAguwKFIXkU
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaKdmqqZuv
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIzgsM9DKf
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtxNdc6PRG
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly5oS9BxpT
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhge94P7oSu
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJOvj1HDnG
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGAxRRwtr8
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH8m4BOlRv
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R0NvNvNuF
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpglVz1RgJd
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yMclSZAVb
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8gW9CP1uK
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKzmgkEmfi
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfLdo3omqU
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI7xi5vqgz
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZHuBvReUb
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwwc5Cyyw1
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoB34QjO0j
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1WMlTKVER
"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."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv85WkAcwb8
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbR2MGnS9I
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1FxGm5dOs
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiSKkvJP40
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr6QwEUCE4
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgb1Hqcoyk
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVV2dIt4Ed
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14RfnojVGd
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhF3aP5Dru
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgSFpgbzET
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNkt47mklt
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY4QCeukHN
"Like I'll let ya do that!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBK3pxqF1I
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzysJ232Y4
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzN8q3vekh
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTvbB6wVR9
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDSOXryjv0
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4bwbnL96x
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzMTJIWPY1
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAKI6dXiIX
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zQCRcDUSR
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk1d5cKlTi
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAbrIwWZzM
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi6rA9MSuk
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfh9XkXpgy
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WiqqPzQgy
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxslvLLZwjZ
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkLtgPHBel
"--Hrk!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4XfeevaPF
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYNQr1SBn1
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoHRS4Mn6S
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra513taGiz
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AS89JGeCP
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfWTIjb6dG
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Jw3kpxus
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuN1LecAK8
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRoWen3gdm
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdZSiy5gjk
"Whatever!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0yfI7cBu4
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipUbOvItjt
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSpO7Ggyrk
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYjt1PIlQK
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrCJ4bHAlA
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA317yZ2wRn
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYml7kNTlK
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9xDnD3iSV
Dread, worry, guilt–165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uMu8KRcdu
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1cjP7gCBp
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMhuRlrA0B
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z7sNSK1jJ
"...R-Right!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2IJpJvCy7
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH3Ic9Oepg
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG02xfWy1TC
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJuhwrDOkw
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66t4vkER94
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaiipFq3zi
**SLAM**165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4MtvVfWwY
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF4Sgn7oYW
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVfWH7i3tw
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Uk8mFsqm8
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADcyFWS7xF
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFIJGG4DMZ
"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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9yV6EZ8Qw
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTra4ZIGv2M
"--Ugh!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JUkJ0p257
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvBzqRL0Ac
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz5rG4wYVT
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre2DzKc5AK
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe1X9VG9Sc
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarQjCFzy9k
**SMASH**165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHACHydSVgI
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sg9AnHldw
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNRYAaKmhA
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TgE6AxLAp
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mLTNOw3Rt
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNesexg9vVs
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DgDFNP2Lb
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3xrIrbEAE
"Ah! Sorry!"165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8H93me7ol
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgjP71NW1A
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJuVFfxhtS
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkb2l4vbQn
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVjlAD5s2s
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9emwbaTYy
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNoC8ULU6F
"N-No, that's not it."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhBl5by35A
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l3bnVS4US
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.165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpOeeJYnYX
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtFWWHcHf6
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3urTZ2Hyz
165Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgSXJLIaHE
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
