Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHQtCWs1os
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLaUXXk6a2
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB7E3rXIXp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOs6Ggm8zI
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY36zjCXhMS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhVZY79rQK
"What are you doing!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIQT6g1eRN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLRaAhJZwO
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd59NqWxLa3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWqarFJ9WO
**BOOM**164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl8jJa71ml
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfXiD7vq3D
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN4JoFa8HD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIpZmrJ4Ig
"Ngh, damn it!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5btgWrkUQw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CQKMqNgFK
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4URuWmRVM
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0p35mF21x
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iqLf5bK2u
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge8LUWK8CK
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuZ3Pc5MkU
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4RtN2P9di
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeRUAxWJpw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqlXciMtFf
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6cbpq2UVr
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEMDbIdY90
"--Damn it! Rover!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76SWGYKFt1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnHujS1lXO
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6c8F28ACO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXIND55DV7
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7TQxpMBao
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhRvFZ2XUV
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgt955rw4N
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WO4qwq0Wb
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR1NoaQNNF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhsnFlATqV
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJkXiTgsm0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeKbhuTMyn
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3RiEtSto6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WBmsEvrVE
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ33IQHwFgy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0vnC1RNrr
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWiT7O3R3h
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡProPeYX9Lh
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1K4ndMpKW
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6skDvswV3U
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuJuhvazaH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD12ZJbi9O
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79nRGnn9pF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMdj4iBZIe
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB1rACz4q8
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE7z4flQMb
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZBi06Vmsk
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3rUdOzDqB
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfrafaD0wn
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsLaBMvgtz
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNXE4YnRWY
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW71aUDaa4M
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92wTD1xb2T
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNwfc6lEjt
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsycqGjcean
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghhLKH58at
"Hey, Kenny!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenpVbiZy93
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtJnUTtGNq
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTtYrvwOmN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF10xMnOMV
"I-Is she okay?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uNFQ0y9dY
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKM1ug13Ni
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVuZvYmSji
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW8ewlqUxK
"I don't know what that is!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1ohwmbs6N
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ae98aveeS
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bYV0DIpPx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvRRszSqd5
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pleNpE2Kc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMOjlVchz2
Though, that did raise the question–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5z6uzeVKf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OzzoRt6OY
"Do you know where you're going!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH6PP8Kn45
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcpzKiogxE
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQamfwtBOL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAasDRCPv4b
"Ah– where is Dennis?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl0UtNFU6V
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDLApJ7mTu
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvWTvTgMYl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucXRgXpUCL
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH5LJP0AOh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNvADwQd9q
"Shit."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJwoqWNQCs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nDGsFw49g
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhbj7lSGug
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcSWAXMmgK
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32kNTNKiME
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnulRz4HYG
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Ku77bO5l
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2KamFHEol
"...Alright."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqGDjfIGNb
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3VD6M7YEk
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yBDn0o3Uj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEotPdoSkHf
"Alright, I'll take yer question."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOAcMa9sX1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2kj0eXtSw
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uQB06Z7Za
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vXG0v79Iq
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoBACmQ652
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwAJJQBRBN
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny4HT0pkh0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYPvztmSlF
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTpj4E6iCr
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeM7uHQH4z
The man stopped speaking.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpHAU1aLfQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy16plfWzI
"Alright, carry on, then."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2Ik8fiY2k
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS1p7PDuOA
"...Eh?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhirOjRJdHY
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMpaUpIUQr
I shared in his confusion.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV6yAXj6aT
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0o4mVACNb
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7H5AUSf99
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCDwGcj8ET
"I-If ya say so!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BwfmuGBEA
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnICQVWgEJ
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBQREM5QJ5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcjPGsK95q
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdomwOvHY8J
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFA9oGJRUk
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmLM9gB0UW
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhzcFDAqDD
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcqLJsaQSZ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIS0QCjMkd
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11nRiE9RRj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjpaWLNjoZ
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fkWSvuT2n
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DBNaCVdnC
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbLYC4nmeQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJWYkfF1ru
"Damn it, kid!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mcEJsAOlG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAyFQj1XiY
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGUZ0qKmJN
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi4Wv02Vk4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoMnuuaPJM
**SMASH**164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpqiT7kJ15
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbXgTkrBZt
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lHJMBzvbR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPqUsH9C8Z
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgrJEDiheh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWvLliGbFZ
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgWLEGO0vv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRnfBCkuHD
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXfZJCVv84
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3yA0hZ5Fc
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU92A6NVTNW
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8RFG2lqVz
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzrUbIg9Kh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzcQmybilB
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTdZIP5qE8
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4Z8IKAmCM
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47euWd62EG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh2QYR5cxh
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmydozA6fuu
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDakM3c2Svm
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX5QEyRt06
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGh0lnzuNj
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4KgJwncyE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsI0MImATI
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnhAWX0tm3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbKXrsZIh7
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDrkaUwhHv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtuneqYBgY
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiM2I4caSU
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40IErEAT1Q
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI6swDkr1Y
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqsZbdSiak
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzAceJXMXx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjtDZYRo9m
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcByROPzSl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL7HxlXAhq
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2krJUNZWdB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW4bYr65JT
"Like I'll let ya do that!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzngI972HH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG319S8chOp
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8BuAaajwd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmgQ28eVR6
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOtFcH0tPm
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZaCNR6mZo
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksZ5jPKXED
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXnSlKyUjR
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoRMjcFTut
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjkXHOH8Xo
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhjbLUxTyb
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH0h0kDnDw
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Pvxz3ciEX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Kgz9E8Cx
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaVHtWCk4Y
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAqkE6OnvF
"--Hrk!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcNN4SMVQm
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92SZndVCAB
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eeCcMtLxu
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlit3n1kgB
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z52yzkcKz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIfFUU3WZD
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZJp5ZhpIv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMbwump9fO
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4aNJ3jcBy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIeo8qqs3M
"Whatever!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04SRlYRTFq
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00xfmcn2Ve
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDikVesQzf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3NTNcQAFN
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQlHanrzik
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkJHT8Jcx7
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg3CdGQuu7
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKYA2XufFS
Dread, worry, guilt–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD730BGSJEi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YFhB9u1hV
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oil05WVgy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv1Hejt1Qe
"...R-Right!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVAVe4NnDb
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2eMtDbmsE
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUbm91fIwq
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfdoUGvvA2
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VJec8YgSi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6FWnw7JAQ
**SLAM**164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWlfh3Xpry
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5T2tagH5k
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5KXcZRizc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg4x9KVS2t
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLcCuFVmnB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuASHD0DRg
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6LddKLJ36
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqhCGX3tTc
"--Ugh!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqp4HWcR61
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0KimEf21J
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzcLhVLRbx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1btA1nlusZ
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGK6GNBjXf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3RjntfwFT
**SMASH**164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCXAMnefk6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cviW9iXah
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BRQ1M0118
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchVl3Igvc9
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKa51T1Ec9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGzaMf2vGb
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LUHtBgcwz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOke6N0IO3j
"Ah! Sorry!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs09ER0f80E
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVqWCxVeIx
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t31twvwuy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCgYdDNhg6
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIa0Ob2boD
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDpYun1ajt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTtMeHwCzw
"N-No, that's not it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavBqa4t6jB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtZs2Y7Ef3
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwP7hZ1Da5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7Rf6Rrl5y
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHyuGPD1n5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAR539gqa2
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
