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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bE1X8XsfL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpYyy2pFY8
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOc500utNo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xsFZ5Uw41
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX9plnn4Q7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3AqIdpy8X
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34Swlds8Xd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISxJmajZzW
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7yALSGiOY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm3YOMqS9F
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KimPIQ6xq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED8URcxQxV
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcjuH0Sjwr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstIwUKyAVD
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSM4j1gbKt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7CyOpq0ZK
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJHcUD0u7r
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVQEZkrYPK
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd20NtNQNne
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC6cGQBbS5
**BOOM**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNDmJKjcpf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KqCUAsqAG
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3ASDdl5dg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdrdlmiz0Q
"Ack!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi619uRpcJr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtv4eAsHyA
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzsSjuRmwZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppD13uBQmI
The room was a catastrophe.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjvhQHpD7U
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKHJ5ZFIO9
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yjcBn12lD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ocTW5imWr
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeKaD76uf4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6e38WDDUV
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGapYBQGfD8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXEf6MRj7s
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ7OVoyy4y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsMC3b6Sr0
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9llRifHr3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTfgft5R3x
**STRIKE**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMddhgqG1f
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzJhcsKtZE
–only to be immediately interrupted.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGfRl4p4oA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8jJqveLU3
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxFuuNRfWf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYBbKy9NIm
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcWYwxsDGb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DSuNc8NT5
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN25gNIhjtB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI20CMQjrt
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjBcH8Gc9m
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1dLInX9pi
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fvsAHb5Zr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZfOGoApTZ
"C'mon!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSqqd6wqqI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiTuAwpelU
"--Ah!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4EMKLoMs3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbyfVHDAbD
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu55p5gOM1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagqOuWt32S
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8jJHX2ZL6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfjNMKEl2U
–
–
–
What a moron.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP75u3yv6w
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblrGgSZM7n
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vGcmn5EwI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXabhCv1v8Q
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JwsvrtkXO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgqiErlLHv
**THUD**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxq5DlOVD4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjUzGsrlqb
"Ngh!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jJIqlYEWN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ewMNmXA2R
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsE8ssmg15
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyrF9m3fyT
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh8K9RH5zP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxWyHmOHO8
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoPVaASNoR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgskQBEQtvh
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnllCNX0qjg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfLiEFl60e
"--I should've known!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxubwHK9Q4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bvquprQU8
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsmKYXWEei
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkdvZo9xOq
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYJl92txUn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbnHvjzGWs
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2LxqXUVPb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwuSW95SBk
"DAVE!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtHB1cGNoC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsDkqgL0Rs
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu19KurFrm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9xu4UbYlz
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx24cwrFPTk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T7rL9FUcW
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.
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKow4LLLnn
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpUCnEIhch
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXz9mWLolH
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngc19B91vh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVOAjwcVsU
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvnthuXQOO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcBplmdAYF
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjLudzmBA4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzARFAWl1Bc
"...Those are our first casualties–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw1DLtpHaJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvy4tVWbFb
**BOOM**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafhUED7HEQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqj0vpIMpq
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrWByu4y9q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM7QRQQNn4
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhhSVyurs3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxI3lYkVaZ
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K3WoJGAwp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHZOdy6O5N
"I'm here now."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGwlz5Ucay
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWM9RKdjE0
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C6bZKwmTR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHXzlzcX52
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2ztnwYFbb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFX7ua4ZEL
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96Nkyv5I9Y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw53pNprnk
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L4oCg2vUv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFoHA22spH
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u75WLXPjt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAKqvrYwEZ
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZD0ae4JRp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1biiO8J5VW
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOUtrZkTLJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg8PYkc9yz
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJTwMA3nNv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXiH11sRIS
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8T4e4F1H9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxw6MHPhnb
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5N2NfzPIj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUflSgoBs0Z
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUljmXxh2He
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVhJXixt7g
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O8I5yMFmj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXKexm9jjX
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8yyrBXXtj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKc0cRz1WN
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF25Yng8Da
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreEk8tlQK4
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpQyiR6kwI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMBXqViJbJ
**BOOM**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkfMKinrN7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88A3NXIwII
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QtoX4Ei6D
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oCEob4qiu
"Pars!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgUJxuAKwn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFoZvbboOh
"Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoKPcasFf3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcoFId7oH0
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpX5LXHHdF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6U9RgkiUTl
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT2Z5yosQi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi1lkVtWGW
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQwcDX5Kx8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPFaB2VjYT
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30pHQZEbMc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA81ZbxUbzs
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSN6TKvNS5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjy42s0Alm
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhLwjdpfUV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSULmsefbwU
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bbjQrP3I0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHyvLkLwAl
**CLANG**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5JrVuxr2c
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5hcS040zJ
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo38B8Xn39y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx29RuYNrcA
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Kj8HlSLN6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP0ZVWsR54
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgWeb4vv4e
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA1nCzw5Zq
**SLAM**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5EqZBdD34
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwimXXW0ZFe
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevsnXtDJ4q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpQAvfywW6
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLe8jcQ1c1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZm6geBohx
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn1J86lNow
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UUL3Z5Mkz
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc25oaShq1G
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATPDEUBEBY
"Ngh! Shit–!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuBwgIlfYm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6kKRJQrqg
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB0EEUduxD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PqCyabqn1
But then–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBCEqchuJr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU9Uks6GkL
**BOOM**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQllQJB8CmY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E8fTTo0N6
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG1uxkSbD6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgRYiBE78t
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhGx44dFF1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6oJV4w0r1
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn1Gx1DCDf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvCiVpTNQj
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZEDCodfJb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1CcYXiUmu
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccxYFLWWrb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M48CrpLk6
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4wdViIH9B
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3H3S0tuHj
"Gah–! You scared me!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnM2UomXTP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTAFYVtWj1
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvXQo4jYUf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZfB855QQ1
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZnzSrRkpF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRyot9pDms
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNTOvVBlFc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod6XfOEXKt
"No, this is terrible."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEIx67eyNb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7W9U2Ce7g
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzivYqs8Pr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dRpPAYtrf
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjVUj76JV9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto1RnkJNLp
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITYJgBj9td
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMFjoaq1dW
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqVkPzjJZE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1krldufOj
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3VLhZVf1e
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEQTQ1echp
"No. No suggestions from you, please."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMoD9LbLEa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1WNGzGXDb
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOTnMpVh0Q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoCJ4HQRZo
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHCMM8rHCV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgrapdaDqX
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh4eOybDRM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm8ZJoheez
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxUQSlfv90
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKpFfbM9Sz
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapPkOIxF58
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGfhefSG89
Still, no response.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dm3hFkVue
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntRJ1ZANwY
"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–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfaIh0koim
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkAD3f0hdU
"Because you're entirely incompetent."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh4WHeb7yM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEB0Pb2Ooq
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTwBAvoFwq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtURVWWctAe
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbeWhL5brM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRImoX8N5aI
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmrXJiCQMI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn795TDzgg8
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW6H6LakXt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKcwgAw7Nz
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbH4CNWMTT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQbLKcVeFG
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYah8cvLEB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTyveCZgsr
"What?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDROcPj0pU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02YyJJ9lzK
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsQ9n0m1Aj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxukhWhY2J4
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBAChNqXsr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyfhyjVpoy
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tClpNyt8Y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze0OcozU3l
"...I see."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYZrmxh9HU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZCvac0XeD
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr06KhSuSZb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISD2M9MFuo
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIpYSDRVZk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe6i5pBLE8
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagTkuJ5xJ2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0zuYM0zhO
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7N5EH33HR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdx8zegG36
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe76nVZqPq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn0AC0heCc
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AROY2WS9G
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgxg93y2Fu
"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–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDXyKy9VHF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMiinj9a1x
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcNEoFV2ul
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPy9OleHm4
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGigRtSF1kr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vJkFU4hvP
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:197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnnMGGIm5y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV9FF9cZL8
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07XptY16ni
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkbiO0iOZv
"Alright!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWXTH06kRW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP022F4AtKN
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOuoPDX8u0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9Kaf0GhCZ
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipM3RSNIHP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkvebe8j6c
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KYIY0zDi0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb3eGQFcwK
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTqpQ0vXwM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgaDwKGHra
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGHDH5VwTG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjfR4ene02
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStabTWPDCC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkDqLFgt5F
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDvOWdFPxx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVW3leURqy
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZpqrmqKCr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKB12604HK
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU78x2pBYgK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6z8AwI3Zx
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YoQ8nsnmS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdHHmbacLz
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh8eM5LA0R
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0J9dz2dUa
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhekyamQHH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lmRg79OsA
"--No!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqTJjahm7s
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SYShO6orj
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe0xKLVMh4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSGj0pA5zY
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduSySzHc92
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XJ38yWfmq
"Hyua!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRqKGOVg56
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8vmhucBdT
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2WSQpellK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3czcrRzrny
However, he did have another sharp object.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKdpRSPi7s
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCZr3RfQ8R
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0xnTWHj06
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5BhlbB5JA
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi85VhSd0g0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOVjXDphzk
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6TSKUUuhz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5FLUr6f8B
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6BpwAZPYm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVrIJ2b55b
And what came was–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokEnrYD65H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfskIXSQaE
**BOOM**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWrPz77Azg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbqiysXHHa
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj7k4QozCu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsgwLYGjhX
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4selmxHR9P
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPLsYC8DA6
"--oop!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnp53ZqEEi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXInkJA0sk
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWgyPiYplM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj3Xe5Z29v
"You... you're a sick jokester."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOLhTvVBHn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFCgPKEfn9
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaPMmLtJRV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfBuVeNQCe
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjBhDQ1blU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8isusD0SC1
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2Vvktlsc4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFslrwe1Dz
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TW5MFMGce
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHZwZJoUHk
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9YKslGTum
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUYL9glCCR
"What the hell... what the hell!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j4SsQABm3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRlyjKJUcY
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFt1lESYjV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDvoPjaoKN
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZyZRbw4KN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCZW6nB3dq
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMVeqM8Gpx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiIfrUEfxx
"...Heh."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpmEA65sn3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1omHUSJhaV
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUB7XdQzBp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH73ULBCVZ
–
–
–
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoC2r9tDsN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf3vPovPj4
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY5ptTFCbd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYklDZWDUtU
**THUD**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOSjUHFN7E
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRG58toeIV
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNooTWfy0s
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1b5bw7i90
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96gVULwweC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsvMv38lwI
"Though I have to wonder–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKieqnYiHOd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5eiOzscmt
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm2JIRZV0F
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDRcvpvkZp
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS3hvgBwS1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RTLfj5V3a
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUFASsEZlA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExlYhoC0ge
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlMSq5FlFr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngtn1JEbBT
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZzyqabQWK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFLawWePlc
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.
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycj7Z8muvG
"Irritating...!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFulaNMP6J8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgEKqiEioL
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhTzHUkld6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6dDtV83ZJ
Dave didn't like to use spears.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb95WXo3Hl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9UEKUsiFK
"...Haaaaa."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡditYRxIBjA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElD6k0Nuc3
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJzxW1LHIb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTCia0WFsO
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1tXlmYsnO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK7lEYyXKZ
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhHexaOJiv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK0GQnIWZ4
That's what he always told himself, at least.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpmuzjOQB3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PcZITsSg4
**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**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡees22PwIou
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtY3XSN8lBY
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdNkYGWmiQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNagPfw14WG
**CLASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnej0IoakWs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODrSMwa1E3
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**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S20F6uTu4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPkUktyT4L
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?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6nwNtD4Oc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD83EJwM3q
**CLASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB0G7PJEnJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbevQpBxyT
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR5EWorzPM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQJ4hJdxrZ
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExfP0BgHNr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33EUa3bOCD
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9BREN4KLb
Confusion–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9JNszMnre
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ6N7HzyDu
**CLANG**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTngDNx2qwd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO03qh6BE3
Delusion–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0jZVlgwDt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcopAim4EVm
**CRASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4RQ93CJ7B
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0zxBUzeBW
All lead to one conclusion:197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq15yGLyXoE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bR7arU7p4
**SMASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAe3M8G6k9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWt8bJ4OHO
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzogvDyOEWR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YNo3C7PdK
"...No, of course it isn't."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO0w8GoWy1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfajeHFtNzJ
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoOXAsmscy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDATGnPDXm
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pOzV8hkRH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqOfhCu5uN
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZCPIQFyio
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeG8yBNEG8
**THUD**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDw9wLUaRQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm23OQxRO6b
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DCPKRIVzt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOiwrmrEy2
"Pars!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWleEcecmvK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1felFw4geU
"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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5ZdI0vE53
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVquoqGgBA
"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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrUMBCPL0c
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTK4ajnSG1
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVOwgj00Ih
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54J7oK1m6X
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6HQZHwgNd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ks27Ibfks
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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOLVcj2aOe
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7HxqNUokF
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxLxwhtIuZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGHBlePhyZ
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi7tjvHhFB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgtrrwvPKF
"What do you propose?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumGlIL39li
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY09OYTJ1H
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCtGFnMOxh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW98JuicMy
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6NNcqxbEf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfMduBLZnZ
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EZYFTma4G
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YVoLxAMYU
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnAbvGzM70
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuA4RgVLOv
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqFKIaK6TS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Yv1iwUWiy
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2ImclSJzp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv68ibi159k
"--Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihsRoGYoM1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HipbUD6WA
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkiOnFgtUb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOFw0xbJCr
"...Always backhanded, huh."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte1muewnIw
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIYtYJJBAU
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 laugh197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR8pgHcTo3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhtaI09b0K
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfonA7d7UP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixcmCDy0rR
"We likely don't have one."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JhEe4Bb4i
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD8mOwqhmf
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoK1yZd1rq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3Lr7DEhtL
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdyeNvTal3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYG3bnzWKt
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7qEKKGvev
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJlccslhcI
"Well, if you insist."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYaQ24t8t3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1VvltR2KJ
–
–
–
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.
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT4eLx4xhy
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooLBMoa1Bd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnnLniyr0d
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmiw3HXDTo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HbLMuzkkd
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwieNAbEct
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtIhqKUK1Q
**THUD**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWqBwKYF6U
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMfdL7u9vL
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?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzchhzoksO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrbLxBFzuQ
"--!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq13gQSMuJX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvCKY8ndoC
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K19ZtdrHd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkpUfCm0TR
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8PQInyoIP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98hLmHvXgQ
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLegwi0dPy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RSBVZRVZb
**SPLICE**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJrULfJAUJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd4KXiFq8P
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Iy0wnvq4Q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtVxsmd3Vv
"I missed one."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeO0hR55ax
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4tyVDzOJG
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHMkdzt2yt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7TKHZveMK
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGvQqrXuED
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxLPNahSSy
"Hey!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ePmrgVYpt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWaekU7WHm
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8XOs8lGJA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh6o5EA4NA
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5wHLPhyqC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD0AzI4AGJ
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf253Tb0VGF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqBE817DBN
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6XSWHapSD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkbX6atOqA
"I never said that."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTFkfsOYKk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaO5Ui8X4o
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeGfh6Dx5a
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiFNyajU2D
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGRlKdIZd1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXmZG5tkqH
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqEKC87ToT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbmxeHZf53
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin5Eb9bO0T
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQTPJplDJT
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2cAjST9Qw
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PKd6PjEJV
"Haaaa. Damn you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIAE0tKco9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqusjdTZzl5
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AMSXovej1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSOoZc3IPS
"They are dead, right?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc06WDHUFwn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy57za6WNm9
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AmBpIv9Bt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bFahqdJKm
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT0DDg7eqQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPZpmzgvm9
"I–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOgL55c0u7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeD5CfcnPt
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL3AeTMrM0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjDG5xqc9B
"Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5LKiOitsr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWgWovupoD
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZimHw9jB79
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJMWsL600N
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LYdZpj5N6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9YENnu0Ul
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcI5OjOnZf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEqQ6TeBQU
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulKoF0sjTt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfuJmQckWe
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4AOn5ZGCd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQvs0xxcR6
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8IlqEwKIx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqzpOjAjyX
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lfmsspLbe
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Fwmy2Zdgq
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaLHAd12Xq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tYXXkR8Sg
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaZTJ6mot8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8uKEYAmzU
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaiqsdBGzq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpY0jlSa35
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeuHD5GMXK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7EwYHRFuh
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFMYNTeRyE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC04hnhy9f
"You raise a good point."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddGNMiIpEH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcbWRMG5Zy
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOxwHerFKg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrzBBi7E1h
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1vAAzMp3t
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyM9tJiDfz
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl6VIwrXhc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNg58p0Q0Z
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmRQD3k7UU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EZ6zCaCbR
"Ha, abandon?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ9O9JSYYW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsKA5JB9D3
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5OqMDOi5q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUavE74WdU
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun4kOpyNRi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2r7DIqSvg
"If you were, it was backfiring."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwg2jMZTY2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPgMhePfBI
"Harhar. Very funny."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuohBhM2cO9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rnGMbF8P5
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluAeUMKnEi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIjVwHHlWH
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG64IrMyNN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSGjGUWNd2
"Aren't you conceited."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdDZqkITqd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtZSsDMX33
"You think it's arrogance?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqJib4V3hM
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Pars began to stroke his chin.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLXalJWtlw
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkZHBs3CDc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrbWWmnZr9
"But what you want isn't just greatness."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjolyP67v6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxwHmxCrhB
"...Yeah, you're right."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJx8EgGKab
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGWGQvDdmD
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprxWLF1VHi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHEIRg167v
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
