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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bPV9200Yo
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVe94pHSCF
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT1ExXXrsF
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlOotV2Inl
"What are you doing!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBJue3cqXO
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5TYvNmP28
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZxGjhbOCb
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDBI3VFBxX
**BOOM**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA30USM1NgQ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlBZqkRFvV
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT69G5fuZbh
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"Ngh, damn it!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIRKsL1n7e
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU9uGUb2lK
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfb5gUdLQr
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27E6c88sr5
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WqgdaH2vF
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ydw0C4ZIr
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7VscQKOkj
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe8euijTe5
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuQ2NxLXi1
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhwVbaecHq
"--Damn it! Rover!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cinSamjz2
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhnGJAEo9x
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hIC0YOuk0
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PHWEuphC6
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwnCcaOdRg
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeEuEcN1vQ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wipZnICQf
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ocwwdDTut
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD5HbbRGUh
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hGtd2Giny
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiZQmWF5n9
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r3rj5IctH
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxe9W6Udro
"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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuIZfRiSwY
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLctTLVabr
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mh2igC40z
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSz619TCAn
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PK2wecftI
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW8xlDXqRs
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzInkJXvdYO
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GP1HMqxah
"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?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq5bVCYr5E
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEuttKWlnn
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE2qCdufPP
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDuKmzSwfM
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphGctlIMUm
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmkupod2BL
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfaUXBEk8d
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDrQLJyj4S
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZwD2sWT30
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN9m5ApkAP
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB2jDSAQyS
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnZC7vEITW
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"Hey, Kenny!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp9O2Q8PZO
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnPPwypyY3
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEKjP4LwrU
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"I-Is she okay?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5ET3XXOsx
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoj3xkMYb4
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaTEeP57Gj
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GMoexJOoe
"I don't know what that is!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtRLJZmXeV
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZeWryU4gX
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0cGL68RaK
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsQN94DGSa
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6lfT59D6G
Though, that did raise the question–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qFOB3jmQT
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"Do you know where you're going!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgnt7OuudR
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"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz8rJ927y7
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVjmdzR93m
"Ah– where is Dennis?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuDXFs7yIc
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtnABuC6NA
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA2xJizJ9z
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1abGkyfvE
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–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2893Nz85KD
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"Shit."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgjWAOtINu
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEFQHHohak
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8LdaCD3c2
"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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGQxqlIgox
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI57bdxJJFS
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwqYN3dUDb
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"...Alright."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RAQU3RMLK
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ6lR6eQVm
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajzKb6CEYf
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"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5gtG0XJbG
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gthe5AoiM
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRW8T8YiCO
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7r8IGng1M
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vpfxkaRTE
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpdDtw7NrO
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The man stopped speaking.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qvlrr51aO
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"Alright, carry on, then."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY8HF6mKsi
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfCN0aOMen
"...Eh?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUuVWanapo
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I shared in his confusion.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNOcYGrqS8
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeWntnMirT
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"I-If ya say so!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfbsUTj6j9
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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–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQVhZN8mOU
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u86lOnpvk
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSngMl3bdN
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopeR3cL4JL
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlTWSApS2I
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sTqzeSipA
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Sb6R9WQgz
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBq8s0dRj3
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"Damn it, kid!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0rVwOt8BN
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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.
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqsHyvxiTQ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTM10x2O4k
**SMASH**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaarHuYdt7
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RFkb9eAuN
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSObLPOLeH
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03R9AlQ5UO
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELoJ37tZ5U
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod0Kw0XB2r
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nT8M3jwrn
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PxPVqMAcc
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f1eqPC6v3
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0YCk8Cmtc
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MsI6pXoCD
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwldc2dcpTh
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnch3z1KBW3
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIxWpANlRR
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Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOFlU3xkxE
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"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."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGckqlYY3k8
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpmayXYCGp
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLhNCjY4Pd
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe1Gvutd5f
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLMPkMJSpV
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup4QCL8a9S
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"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvF2HY32Fi
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmzlwT78Gq
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tltT0CALs
"Like I'll let ya do that!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2o6iLkmuy
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVFKEJcM3V
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlDJhd7ssP
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS76ge9KPZB
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZrLhApAk8
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCXt04EYbg
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPKMkV9Ps4
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2M0b1NLpn
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESiKQIJNQg
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEa8TTwnaK
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Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFnoz64sNT
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"--Hrk!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNQ6mO8hhH
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPHG2fcXbM
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsm3ziR1Nt
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiAvVH3Qi7
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZienlw5sEL
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtRBIZGLLc
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl7FWND88J
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVyDLDOpgN
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3bevfOiIB
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxc4rGyYUn
"Whatever!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd3b1OXofK
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgBJgnWubc
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7KItiOW42
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5HZKp6gTj
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhULTqbMl5
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAb5MOsxrF
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YjV5nhcKT
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Dread, worry, guilt–204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x85oAoaEh
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwDahHUyiF
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAthMd11mMr
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfWSMQHiaa
"...R-Right!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSupaRm5gC
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XngZMGIth
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyABznpd6YZ
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzoxQmbwZy
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JhyuFFI8v
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8VqxoiyVt
**SLAM**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxrM7fccfG
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtIrx6wwx1
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmStIKhhb4
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySl3z0Zg0J
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRER2bKLKH
"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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Cl2ODN7mT
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"--Ugh!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqni7LvrUL
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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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprM1JUFYQE
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJFCZH75jY
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0LHK6dPnq
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVaeN0fcFI
**SMASH**204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAACuMzfs9e
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas8kO56KnU
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6cW8rup9Z
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06yeg2RT3n
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"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXP5yrpy93
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeIQQC29WI
"Ah! Sorry!"204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkNwtKHorY
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpmBkeLAK6
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmACp61vMN
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZkzhbAlIx
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBNTo5DdhB
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZEIgKos1p
"N-No, that's not it."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO17sxP5CC
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdv4HlXxZA
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywJjW4xWgr
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"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFFd7e6iN0
204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIsyUDxHBf
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
