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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DfEZx4saC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk48zsmSeVa
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmAkLp4M0d
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaSAu2Iwvw
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dpk8admV8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVokHTkWcnx
"What are you doing!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ798bvh7cqO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE0oSJsIIn
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fcHpYXv92
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatURtYAsSE
**BOOM**205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7DevTbPd1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUGfEtC12T
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bHgQwPqKy
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqIGkMoN7O
"Ngh, damn it!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAM2vlGVPQ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsmtFnEOKy
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4WLMAhyYY
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PRoJR8quk
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMWhtqvmxc
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1W8EWTldB
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nlpZanfka
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWhAQVpumF
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bLDi85tVT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAn46LD0L5
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAzG0lHnWV
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeammjFvPny
"--Damn it! Rover!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86L8PiVIHO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kM0NgqZ6l
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQUQAeA2Ns
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk34MI7Amt
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDvTi6821l
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPvCupIIxX
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ90OoOJ37
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh00xHbt6up
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN4NVW4kPP
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdEUhuy0qR
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobjGAMj3e9
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtFqJDy9Ck
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1BMQ4krDA
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvR05NyDDh
"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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmghJjSOPJg
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjClsuHPEkS
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGVKNi8I54
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52rUEHgFoP
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkKz06EZaz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD3KX95ZhR
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqXTiJ5Pi6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBs4qiQHMn
"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNsQdRKY7m
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIygs74OEd
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXKVeuG5Cx
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIBLtaWc51
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNhXTReeHs
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTg076Shso
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvQZlgTutl
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSMV09SKWs
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA1JxfG5kO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAzFp9qHxL
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiZhVFf5HH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WAskJHZvy
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1gGNgq010
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBKMTOFyOe
"Hey, Kenny!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH5AkdU1CG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv3wYEVEUS
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCH9U7bpXT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZDSWxF6gT
"I-Is she okay?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKfTnrHR6T
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhThtOnyqXU
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8orPBXf0cb
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEcoOhNCuz
"I don't know what that is!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjcqgK8Hkq
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3nKD65yjV
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6nKK7ygme
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTV0i9k5hM
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvzpBKgbQt
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06a2aRBcys
Though, that did raise the question–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hJM9dLN2l
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFhj5EJ6n3
"Do you know where you're going!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFOSg3vqr5
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMshsoILJ4P
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0IR9JjSVG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddjKD0XgAb
"Ah– where is Dennis?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AjhvzsjX0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqUilZp8P1
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVvZqkINWm
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerj0NWbIUq
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–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvU8FpDuve
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGOsgYFJOo
"Shit."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP3cqYJHHm
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wOqYySZNV
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhASa4znrH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc7XlcA1hS
"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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQuahcGn2h
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxDVjdTE2e
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN12zVJKqa
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyUNfecyc7
"...Alright."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUJrGDShtx
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAe6XUO3Al
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB0qgI6Otr
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRByU58qczM
"Alright, I'll take yer question."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76W5Uuraqy
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHiq6PFHUD
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSkAyZE0fO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHazNbhtuA
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNbqPrkOPB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6EWxYUMoc
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN2PHhHd2t
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EeMFdOGhl
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj0ZHASsjl
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGzojcLKIH
The man stopped speaking.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX3yy5vER8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYK7IVT6qj
"Alright, carry on, then."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmRxhR8QLE
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEXQIuNwah
"...Eh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktnYPLyuz0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkGw6nD72G
I shared in his confusion.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7n5TpKRLv
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh9tmpXzrL
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0MNzJdrCE
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutJIHWrkmP
"I-If ya say so!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkyGN14REq
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDo7T3glFr
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–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5BuMhhPvs
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF2vmrQN5l
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHXzut9C38
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAUttVcLBw
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56iXpbnXne
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tHu72RCyM
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusYRWh0SFW
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65xZu3CD4Z
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC8eLltA0I
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93Qinm7PlQ
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPLjmZpwND
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkNRklSbt7
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uzKENo5yt
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWElVEdZqCr
"Damn it, kid!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7eNWJiw6P
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3DTYG93Lk
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.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwyTv5i8NF
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QurI7jQaG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypYrqFhatL
**SMASH**205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVM1cBDH0F
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjwkgydxql
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnghayeNyl
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWiQ5n4ECG
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsEXXNoAcE
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh2R0iKRNH
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM1aqqOQkS
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgGe9uhr8P
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EZeQjscuL
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3ZNAKgw4g
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDy0WOwTzu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm5El1JNfN
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevMm4ZleQO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4oVnfSRPr
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHBHOQoxCj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YtkqZjSJz
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvJFXygQhg
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu9weDBpUV
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnD1Ad511K
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXlT68iSFL
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDl9t2VzhQ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiXALJLuiy
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv6NcGwZTQ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WnZwaYfB1
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz2crliMFE
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj77SY8NMEc
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡislnhCLTYW
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgtTRuizmZ
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYJOA5SHED
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQfzjeGyt1
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayAuD3LYs8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiqkOU4Jqg
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OlgBCsds3
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshoDWh6yi9
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPjCaMf2Zg
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM78WLYjdR
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT3X4ZkcWT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuHhMN6QQs
"Like I'll let ya do that!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3IxOYeuyP
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp4q6a4ju5
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXVBLRJJtR
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZig00D7u0a
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGG6q29m7v
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBAt6TCNU9
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtve7dq3adK
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h3TK8Uxs9
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JZ44OAvS0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbDCnW5aus
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTPli0W9DC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yaEvmAk3j
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFePlxPGBdB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEODtpHe3d6
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgC7DWSVkn
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4WJXX4p2a
"--Hrk!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59lzHEyWGZ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9zLPZzi79
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaUXyWTZ52
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPFxKQnORh
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJJAc3PEyy
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8lQkxUqIk
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4F5eWozdW
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7EflKtRyZ
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTNCYXPfCk
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlWQ0q0vln
"Whatever!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cDtA0NpAp
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJRmKCYLlS
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHnSuZ0gdB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ935RpfMXlz
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIaFg50lC6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEKRtchohL
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBopHSuncI6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQDkGYDS14
Dread, worry, guilt–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICC2ArpuD6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKBZ4ox1Pf
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHzJlVjCvM
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RzduGigB1
"...R-Right!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5BSfXUfJB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn1JdlbJFB
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkzjjLZcV5
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcyRDafRtO
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3fP499ymQ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1T0SXh22I
**SLAM**205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5ZKAzCYeT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShSUVZfgu4
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEI7nABHgm
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnJFR2tO54
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3QaorsYbB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1mGsKiXzx
"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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDszbm1nc0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFtA2y4gJV
"--Ugh!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7EPoc3NKk
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGLNaHzEfL
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaZo8OzESf
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic1SMNq1wt
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9a32rrSaW
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2AF9HA6hH
**SMASH**205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfJNtWmZcZ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf6oK2BtrT
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAgRmjjalK
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IWsvyAeJr
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aDI6axnMr
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDagv0F4lXr
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxE8aC3h2m
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZCXDxDabO
"Ah! Sorry!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdafw8AIqu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6chNTexWJp
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3kN307TpI
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOrMYyPezP
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTVCEchkLC
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAuxY7TQOe
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphTtbJEbQG
"N-No, that's not it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL8A3DhWsh
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2KuLuqSs5
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwGoQAnE9t
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OllLqfFAw
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxpQ78LLbV
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs4yfCIqfz
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
