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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAFCRS83PK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitYz5Y4N8S
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YZuZm9iza
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRDh40DfeW
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTcyQEkpkz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnUb1KcH35
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujYwCvpgCb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0onAkLta8N
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRCTyAcZAH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm56ORMXNZ5
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm9JgsbaP8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7OsEjw0id
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKHtOwmS9u
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJjLDE2duG
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE57Oaa6fcj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44ZdZFJZVx
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHURmRAFrK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKxMuWkWDM
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcYa1IAN8t
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBh2NZBxps
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnnJFXfI24
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMhoPVMJ4i
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvdfrQchpT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ8G16NxFK
"Ack!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2yYxu34ph
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAL9nfgvJN
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zHBQ55Hw2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj4UFCLC9h
The room was a catastrophe.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI9L5syZcB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd4w6VJf2k
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMalKG64hU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90mKB2EqM7
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VjZpBKi4E
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHzknF7BkX
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FWDWytWNb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvujabpv9y
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoIUlPzwqo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgoTBCTM3W
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBJ3bwiKgR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyBKRhq5b8
**STRIKE**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL5oYzME7P
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hO7SwmLpV
–only to be immediately interrupted.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1GY71nJ5w
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYLUiRpC5I
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYHYmvTyRz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi7a9KfzVm
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCSJWAuu8d
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYsHqmS2hZ
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKYujuLza7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp06ObnEHR
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnPxSOVGjC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUFd40zrfC
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOf0vCFBPR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHP1BWzHcq
"C'mon!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49iz1vH47T
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0dBhW9rVt
"--Ah!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc2wDFgm3N
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs6Ya7iKJJ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRcpyUJVcf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04s6eJ94KD
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodlf4duQlm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKXNG3wMdw
–
–
–
What a moron.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufXvfzKqd4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzju5eneAZ
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3Sgma86iS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9HcLeZWhD
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAopUzIak0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH3A2NdGui
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W3OlM23Hl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyF8ABRgJk
"Ngh!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtS3jmfTA9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtWPFN6eaj
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQq8OyzqEP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9wpn2AwU7
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaVwDDxBUy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbG8CusOB1
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyMBT8VT7p
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMScznFO6gQ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnZ8mYHmM9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qj8Xdurwf
"--I should've known!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcL1AQqOYn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRl536Mwni
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxzfxLQ0ob
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKalcb75Wa
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhVZAAS6xC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK4C7JPtw4
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtJp4qvvQS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gdg8L7VVp
"DAVE!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSbKbxZjBs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxzbDXII7y
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXQ9Ee3EAb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5dz71oqBA
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8DQCs91P2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowP0vPG1if
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsB5tIherM
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV1R4a7UyG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMriRJfeMj
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnNw7swGkd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxyBEWixrg
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyqSYUM7SP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kQBLgsCd5
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcxsFSlVXH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZnWRN1SLJ
"...Those are our first casualties–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1cZrIJUFu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXQPBsLEV0
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQywXB7K1l
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvTxpC1WpA
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVG7XRFeDA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnaeZAeVzx
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p8ChxfOHN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG4FSaNPkt
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawkEQySqJJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Dt2USCDRa
"I'm here now."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh9PjGq9TS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmTAZRwG42
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RXI1LeGUK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBJ7LS62bL
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3GOwMreWW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROJZuXiEej
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyunkLFyzs9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PO0u4ZnaX
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV4uYTlL4R
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK5gKZ9PDp
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6wXrRBXzF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69f5nbMPmN
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3bRnFnHGh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvHg3HMC7U
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5Fndsx7ql
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uetfrSeFs
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcRNvC0snC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2LjK85vh7
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRVfEnrs5i
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wl52yeBeK
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOJMyl3YEi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4zRgxtroA
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4ZtO9dIpW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qpLeAazBC
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYqPLKvKKr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBkilhG9L7
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLmchTLW1Z
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi7YjWRlls
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1XPnBcArg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldC5YD7nMZ
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj28dr2XHan
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2HCeXp3Vs
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQJtpJwNV0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9WcWTKGYt
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0gYpkdID2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQVoaiMGdc
"Pars!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1qeppeLwY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1RhxrTbNS
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7jgg7XO8N
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7V4qlS5Se
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vSoJhlhOE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmemHQOk4s
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa8PHnWYOz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNBaW3Co2t
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUfXz77xvn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9EjglQrDB
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQezUZQwepy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9l61eEmND
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgsknyuGHp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqtNIqxZB8
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArfVHomPT9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaqa6IoEfH
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡperADAndGM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7xIIB47cC
**CLANG**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAVWdpliyq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXNufYyiOi
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNV9ZAT1rP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2paDajUGL
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3nDygPVCG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Nk5EZvArx
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkPaWXVqVF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfZNajgLMh
**SLAM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkYgB0b0W2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQzyXVTEuS
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCTC6f3KkY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF5r6nOdxL
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXHbPPCh1U
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcmPhkrKVy
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyFiu3EXGe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo5qwKyyWe
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDd76yfC1p
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0JGWD1JRQ
"Ngh! Shit–!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC7eCb4SLz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaVb1pHk0t
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliclryKsYR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV3wVj3CWM
But then–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIftbGiXh7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWY5MoTUfb
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6HC7cOFUb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovVHUEMazN
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgezvQimgE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHANJBAwSu
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRYh5MUw0Y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHTmyu1vA3
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeP4kkuFX8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF7IIo5XGQ
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OKWi2uSdu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwyTLexJcc
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLvJq3bWUp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAEfHFBUBK
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SlCW2nieC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjhKryiQwG
"Gah–! You scared me!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhluNklExf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2nCikUlm0
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXYaB6QVYy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviPm9vqeIo
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsTpvNSb36
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbxG11u67L
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSxSWPX1Zx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ochziTMoe
"No, this is terrible."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaXyKKuCDp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9alEiyIswt
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRwzSUOw4S
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5hplp0vgn
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTx9BHkXgp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXB6nI6WUT
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXrPoMwUZB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLUj6MRSA1
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrJvc9eoN3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6lrEclCFe
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HvWK80a6V
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ix0ibauGO
"No. No suggestions from you, please."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBqkcrau34
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvRzH3CqFU
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSmuAfnfdm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0PvWFSBPS
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFyEstWyri
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHDodYrLq3
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBJD414hhZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkojoejF7w
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyVnhu0d7l
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc02bevnQOy
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqTVn66UlK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfPh6w4flJ
Still, no response.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKhLQDTrot
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYMPsmmTAH
"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–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03ImRAaB1J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYMu0auCLe
"Because you're entirely incompetent."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnwEKvyeVA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdpZzaHwZ2
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1riOzFn44
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WjPcxgT7u
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhVAES0Sn3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmSDlde4dF
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CR6q6CnOd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCk2F1njUf
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5Vg46trnM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhA5mhdwG5
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0SZmSYAyr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqwTxLR3aE
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3cqkKeeZl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8XymEwcQr
"What?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlrbIpZVuc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAziyxxN4T2
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmpuNWm1Jb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQtujGGCrl
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPLunNGY14
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHgJFQGPf4
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHbjswmyeF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zucUD8000
"...I see."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP6X18qZJw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaUOflYjYy
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOSpt4yDbb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpwxbXaAbX
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTsDFheZIC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhJihqpQku
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfSVbpWPfe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu6mbJx1l3
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX0mlDAjtD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZI1Aev0OO
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0YcqaE4Pd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60iBI9PZ0O
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcZ7GvSfAP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuPwR6Ut8Y
"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–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Du3UBAG4d
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrWSV6k3x6
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7NfYc3kDw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bHCIJEDy4
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVaaWjKbG9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrMBB7Ajmo
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:241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j3nvh3V4B
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HWZUwflwI
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡME4PBqy0hs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRfg1TpajS
"Alright!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb3jpI89G2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kvcEesdYL
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wadsrsitY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYJJnDlon0
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZhWeMA1aa
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZtOFvqh5u
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtvzMNPHrX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyfRNvwRJV
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K7ByWKonQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9j6dgxUB5
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSOLowGGdf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusnavDOGyO
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdhtJxtvtS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eIPbYan7L
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl4YHqPZBW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIasdwIzwZS
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7ECMgK4hr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnEHnJHeg3
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS3MWMvwmj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2zUuB9PM7
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5TRhQNUGl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA12NRlLITP
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fRMTeZA5M
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALzwtoPLbl
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZCJhQl1Zr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHuuY15zDP
"--No!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKfqdE9Oa0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqHV3m8Dnp
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3NUGpnmlM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUghRx7YnW
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrJkGzW9Ww
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1DOmqzFvn
"Hyua!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloJb4QwFsZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X1h4n5eVV
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm6rKrsdoJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaUcymCD4d
However, he did have another sharp object.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX8wWGQPZN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4K3wKDql2
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcEklO3ZqR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIEeMdPNUb
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXLcW7DcMO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKh7xI33WW
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7qhc9YWoY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9usGksBn7k
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xmzpds2H2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvL82KDl08
And what came was–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKawqeNiva
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYv7LtZ2mr
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlhysccCFV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmTfDVQO1V
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wy5AOHNNk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg4NCO1PmR
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXDOJQIMVN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFRg9MxMXA
"--oop!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1xfkLahAb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74KyDFu2jm
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0SOi6bC8l
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd9VTqPeby
"You... you're a sick jokester."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioTZjnxKiE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2s48ZJath
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifdOEF1fWk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rhoi2Qv83
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrUSLzCXvZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSSRJ70GSt
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf19xaFPa1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7qVsXpnbV
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDPYOsTaiI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN748Hwaw9
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqr8JyQXry
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fn9GSo6vE
"What the hell... what the hell!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRUt6PuBfL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaImG31E4kH
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdqtd8oAXQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXkP7Kviib
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYdD7L6DLk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dVEZiMv67
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxJPb0nDhg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmIahDhp8g
"...Heh."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXlNJArVMX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsW97zgdI7
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYv0khnUnX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGPmaAINd5
–
–
–
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT72cx9HPX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXFbT3ewhj
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmhpIPbInb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkHsKHKNAY
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEIezp8x3Y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhxNdJh9qS
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH9Cz248MZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84pCut0vbK
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOztY72XgKv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGeReSQMv6
"Though I have to wonder–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8deUzStE2Y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9woiqAPL6
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYVPxi4rUr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5DIHiLfIZ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DyJ2FHE06
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt698a6Fst
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBxVZDB9NI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdwXz6z4DL
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NOQJna9vI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQqRMANl7A
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VQeAv0cWk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXbjkFTKkK
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbaPS3fyFf
"Irritating...!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5ssKg3rrM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtvumUTs20
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4YbHmSSi0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhwLFgEo5g
Dave didn't like to use spears.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepagFPoQiO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZrTNeq6Ah
"...Haaaaa."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0KoI2Y93C
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSMhlzKKMQ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl9Tbzv2WS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvnYrlgpKd
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hQNHs4SaF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubWl2Pgsr6
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgSWDtwY9n
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICYkfXJ5Vn
That's what he always told himself, at least.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKNZQ4eqzb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc84GVyM6VK
**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**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZgk3uGrHh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGdxIW5iB0
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac1hgmWTFQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8AQwnf2j2
**CLASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFp2mKVhzX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VXz2GQ3VW
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**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURHxzA2bWz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TU1agdh62
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?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMAzDE9WBV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxcYYorKlx
**CLASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGXbhoSeZa
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfU6W4NVEp
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6bLZI4yEB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRRsffd5nq
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjfCiJgMHE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrHX6DBZMV
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO9UIWB8OD
Confusion–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnPe0pea4H
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM1QCdulmc
**CLANG**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwf9b0KCCc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYw1qnpRae
Delusion–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDRqpfSuRH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHBxiEfVKI
**CRASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVN8VcWAx8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIfhaoWc51
All lead to one conclusion:241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3EAp5VnyJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtQbnxTuo2
**SMASH**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSRAHqVwxH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS1WCXc5oi
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqarMNjZlG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMv9rzIESa
"...No, of course it isn't."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCM6NEkITq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHDgG5SNYa
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgtth0Po3C
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7PLjXQ87d
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTBnqQmcnS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgLIQjLgb6
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih6KZHbafU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW0QdFMSEf
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKKixzObdr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A2czAM5dN
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A951Zqoa2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWv2Ox3BN3
"Pars!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT2uSBeeff
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPB4tqxVwM
"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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWAz5GdbPe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrmpDluCna
"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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhQ9AQIII0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXrKp8lzUJ
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMQyjHg8Qw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP7wUB5b6o
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC36hpGgqB1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ097fWhPHq2
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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4GXhPDuK6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSLMmXYcgk
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRMAQv74d9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifScumkqH2
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGiGDMv4z0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JRAQ9911q
"What do you propose?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz29yfzAUvW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2UgGQjfOG
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV0GWbrPYe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9PueobDxI
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP8gQT5C7v
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH42tyDw51d
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL9Kvp8ItA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW6Mnxre25
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo32pI7vZU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXeKHtARnq
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWlFno86vb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1G3R8ajlm
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgySeHe0lhs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowD3OnpbrW
"--Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBi9IyI5Y8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3rWbMimr5
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K0ER1i1rs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMyFlpY9iy
"...Always backhanded, huh."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkgmUaLCDF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUxbG8a7pk
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 laugh241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgATsYwriA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaawF5ahi8
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmryfZndET
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD362f6UVNr
"We likely don't have one."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd37sdO7Krr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL0v4deqYi
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTWWlqL4Ic
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlHl58q5U3
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqUSgbdFUL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGP5IuUCos
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsRuSxRE8b
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWqctqUIA7
"Well, if you insist."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6b3wc3qbh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ec0dF7IBI
–
–
–
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.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBZ6iHNd9V
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnd8HdQ8E0M
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7k2poHRcH
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO0sJRGL4v
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE1UcIdqhW
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm164CLvZ0Y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsH1DhB0p8
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkpMoM9meV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BHQPE3Ftv
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?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dg88mNhI6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdpDDNZq5P
"--!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnclNIbjC3K
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpchWDAeZxj
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhKODDExQ7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3trxVwq3la
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ist1Xmsxo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqWunJhm2e
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxrVE8Ss7w
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS2NYuJ7SD
**SPLICE**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIruKoPyO5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyRSfMzo6G
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmxswDJxwi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfBdXYTFZ2
"I missed one."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJK7kxOopj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXjXNUWFCW
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHUsmrOOtw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeke9QxcdtC
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzISo8hPrMM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpFuwmUAQY
"Hey!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbEK2U5WMj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImt6ANU6Iv
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTyIA3vBlX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BLbqGmBVA
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsGnIV1x7I
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0si7EuaPN
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn9xIaOFAX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7dGZuHmnE
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu1zqBk5Z6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v6EzwLbPJ
"I never said that."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnktZyvLW3b
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImXHshzyMA
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1rkYShbb1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJEdzvLjO7
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB3HNUdJbx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxgG6iOgVQ
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFnz45aDO5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5G2eW6uR6
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDYrrKELUk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9VoyV57VF
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSeHbSqv2V
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmKt6h5d5o
"Haaaa. Damn you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqFU14zlsC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweofYH985W
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUNYsr4n34
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x1sxeUg1h
"They are dead, right?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo1QCo746W
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlIdu8etq9
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb7o1RNj8I
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35PyTJzNX8
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtuppBumzQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOfPKOVfOc
"I–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUGOaAkWLA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojf1DCUfrK
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLnA2WxSj6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS9fIyIrp0
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkx35nksNn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkqI1Go1o2
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq8KojnhbN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IpdpEattO
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhQRju42oR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhfE0kncRY
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB3obXbW6f
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4futmEeNkF
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcrGz0wxrU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42lhvDUmsm
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrWDF1lDBy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoLf2FBTKB
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSddXTifR8A
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaDYbKGXPt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iL89fqnwI
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcDr75IfX2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsKQ9nFSUn
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdfAAEiL0p
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV5pWBIFrQ
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LMJw1rodD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Q4HC3Xz6
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK1BB7M1Ra
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oDA0dFB5L
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxMebw7Rc2
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"You raise a good point."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnvOs1tDOQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxkeagmFcB
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3JODBGasW
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8knkCo2qP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr32jk6067
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCijC5n7ssm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYfamEVheI
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzZw8VEjg0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x7gecc1jL
"Ha, abandon?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4TkZ7ZDut
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdUP38J4us
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN6fu4NxNL
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqBPdfCCNF
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"If you were, it was backfiring."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WqdQN1lIs
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"Harhar. Very funny."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXScDMjsMpL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPAnqH1JNp
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOAc8pmaM9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqbjG4O4et
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeE1DnMCMX
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"Aren't you conceited."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdmDfTfTNX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ612KRPHuex
"You think it's arrogance?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9wFQrdPII
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Pars began to stroke his chin.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2P1AFbGXf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowCS1EG0ow
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUORndS5ASp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsLl1hMmjG
"But what you want isn't just greatness."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWuiW8TU7X
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuFwBplqiv
"...Yeah, you're right."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAjGmXXEp3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w7KvbsK4h
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ049exM5Hvu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimdcKzqW7P
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
