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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXkdiJnBvY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW7txYqJ3s
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Naxuo8U8R
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH178NdEyzx
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbKrQeyQ23
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLxFeCxT3q
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHF4jyr00c
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN4lgOwUno
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbHc1ygtxY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZFz1fPSZw
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9KZ3JKmRA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PfSIsF2K3
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CftpumXGD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9WTzplU85
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDvN3coRfw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTYUk5j7Up
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL7wYIIgex
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5jQXRh976
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qfp0i4iTv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzT3saDD3u
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhayHcZGWLt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoEgxYIe0u
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2qgykYlPM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NiFUulHf0
"Ack!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztyrirgeZC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoqZ0ZEJap
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdiBVDlg6M
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDsQtIrXFZ
The room was a catastrophe.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHWBh7k5iu
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zLlS1mQmj
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkIdRi5D85
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc5NY2hSMx
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLsFs1jf1i
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgeuanGpgK
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrS0ixcfZc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPdEW2VNuN
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh411Xbtwr
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGlMfcmkHk
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQGiyfp03W
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8jtZNE5Me
**STRIKE**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0UkK3GyRR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu0AVwZ3jZ
–only to be immediately interrupted.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PN1xzAzER
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjmr24H7R6
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05PP4zCt4h
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIER80fWMvS
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUZ7HHKddK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7PnRd3d3z
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTnZVxwmTL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX6p70PkRn
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzCxJxp0Xb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP1KGT4uxr
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJpn2StAaS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyQzf1n46j
"C'mon!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yS7A5LHDW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJc4tT98rU
"--Ah!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ131l9uVGIh
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu75LE1QRg
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2WVyKWBAk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo1K0Iyq6R
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVjJcW3aig
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGau8pCRbI
–
–
–
What a moron.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0NDZniRFW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsVnQvCius
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiX4L0j5LP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBEsDEVdyG
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpYtCBOzcI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMlsAzvC45
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBVSzoxRx2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23zNjvTCl2
"Ngh!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS72sXyDXk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZhmb9OUzV
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU6dmLbK87
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RSPxQoO5e
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9rkYeGK9v
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc4E04drIv
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQD18J1MdC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFwtxM04AI
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeAUEoIuJz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdgbMIcp0i
"--I should've known!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGORkWDnmRO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5xPYM64i3
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZH68HkmsK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObAIOxXL4g
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGRcwiUJ7N
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r1i5zHAIb
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlupwL9N7Z
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlv8GbeTu9
"DAVE!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMIM1EkWXX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ10mo4rNH
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyzKUlygJI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiDzZqGHPa
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UNBqSYaLA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNeLECizDn
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.
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam46aygNpl
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGD3EuvC2s
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv38ZwyZxV
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaPWplgimS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9LSBCiAKg
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5gCyBEVDc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ9oXeEeLV
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLWStaEkeA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7qQzPTjCl
"...Those are our first casualties–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCIzExc6Kb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqqZcnpQx7
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg75y4Yfpd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseUKvL9BLF
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXsNhzcWda
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNwgZkFxrz
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7rtHylfAq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbclfJ7nfkE
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCEcLnBHdO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpilSxyYZU
"I'm here now."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa6ngl6D5K
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAi5Cz11rl
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZcmGyJ0RL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4claqos2t
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB49HYf7NM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66l9RmwDF5
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRrbaGRWYy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaqrf6KARt
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK12VZaGfI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGVjYyMz8p
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPADu0lzWK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRLWeTdI1f
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoBrx1yMCF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmrQ6FcIUs
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oXeRsZKZA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjjf8coVTA
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDhKGQo5aQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlKnu7f7tc
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPh7mqupMy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlqUBrR1kS
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZAI8FMhSE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5LAtbzGMI
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89dgy6LqfO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqf6IhbHOT
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXWohQwFJw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjw5GVxxfq
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd15dT8R9a
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNOxWGLqAk
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrml25z0g3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmEnUDbeE8
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh84RTqfCT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNEKwPbJjY
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYSZ7M1mXQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN07939M6Sg
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOKAM7B4my
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA2GUtUMtJ
"Pars!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbxRSavqMc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPlfYe4Hjc
"Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkuqxMxVEe
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogskEoEwG4
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4UddkRYr1
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYK3IjjP01
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYOskpb9tz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhrkdoNJWp
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbmRhgzchu
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3cLtSN0hk
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYguFwMZmbC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqnPEW3IFf
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz1lw5jDkT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBsA0UxWbD
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO5D5n28cl
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegTuep4ysd
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTqIYuHYmY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi19IkBLioD
**CLANG**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PS30SDD9t
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVPUfgaQOe
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfp8ob9IMN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxxeGLdQlI
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JO6bP5W8d
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2Tx1qYlQm
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡes8IW2cG6M
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jEiRElZhg
**SLAM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbzJOWsCuV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtpIf8rx1D
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbMgYXhl8P
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkH4quBZOi
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthW7gBVoUt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebGI9GgdlX
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf9yUe3JPW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9fethvErc
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqkIyVkL53
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27jq8UWuXp
"Ngh! Shit–!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNvH3TSqID
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmoyg58Rww
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXLwhxTowj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv5BRUvFJR
But then–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5mYah108r
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkLzDOb8Ri
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjZg3DoiEP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakR3sAHrZh
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl3f7e5nhI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIPvJEiQAH
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWMK9OBAkD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMKBQWMkjW
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf64zhF2Bl
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfbsaj0wwp
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAZ9HOeUpD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBRfo45dej
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU7YzJetDM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsahGVDTTB
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z8ihmMfuI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgfa5j9uOk
"Gah–! You scared me!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t1upXcJCa
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DbBnIRvui
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvekUhIWty
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDLWEJlp1c
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIErwN7VPpo
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjQvcppZvc
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNqTb7BJNj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq8KNbH7v5
"No, this is terrible."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOAYR4EM85
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPRiQ8JQ1V
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qBR9XsvRP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1RQITaULr
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCfEkQ7JQC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaj4NHGbbl
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqKaBZJZtz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx0G36DakB
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSs5BPOinb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ynkhofl6e
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i3RvQmfIj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgwDmc5yc0
"No. No suggestions from you, please."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLiZ8Sgkyj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ9Xc87uxX
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jj8KI9aHb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r5M1g1vM9
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1qziN8Jcl
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rvWBRhj0f
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBXwQq0xuN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ5KWIFwfu
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYFVT3i920
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWEuE070nN
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFNUGwF2SM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bpuwp3FnW
Still, no response.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXbuaQuNcg
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ErJ1ZNTu1
"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–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZiBOoDSx6
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nOG5r3exA
"Because you're entirely incompetent."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrZTMv1FeY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZvHEnGP6j
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE3MC23zDd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrWxX26j0W
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMgWVGOn03
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT04lIx6f0U
"..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZTJZddApH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmFk0nqDpT
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUZNHvcCRo
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz1uufDtkX
"..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRkWgd1OSc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy1kltQ3It
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqA8VafSlJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIvHZSL4tS
"What?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwD6PINEk7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTGRcA3TCu
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLeTTgccTj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9RNw762VS
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq1HgIuwrr
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAWbdI7nHh
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hEDOT0LVv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz9qhB6oKy
"...I see."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH8p9mP50u
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHspm3hHk5r
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzgVVDBP4W
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb0hf8FvVe
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5zPaYN46j
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurAfgIpnuH
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NHcjWvHIw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTdR8m6Q3d
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROMYi7EJA7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUKQNd8qvH
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOB4wzYSFN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nTJWs6DT9
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SnqgK39Tx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sJUiPji8o
"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–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kViuyD2RK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULs3fhPb5h
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29KOUK4BxQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5J1GVshQL
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzUkFnL986
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8FCOClreS
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:240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtF9XNxztv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2t2OLcY4L
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlqEAUHEtA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl9xSubP4R
"Alright!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaYL5JO3EK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMzmejhmgn
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBd3u8T6Xe
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc6ByVGeYO
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hrmMnKlI5
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxEcEqPbrN
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHMKI5Tn7O
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiybE9Fe6HC
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FH51ycJZt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzCtkV13CZ
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQYC0ROSsY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jficK1KeV
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBu1u7AJsR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJWncaBTdV
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2whehpMc5
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGEo79803O
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY2wABvw5R
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8epmoqI2Z1
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPZYtC193r
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeVa22SNet
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mcCOiaOlR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCHsUiP2Di
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgEUqCdset
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqRl7LutJU
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy4LPv6LKc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GnoJYzW9g
"--No!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmUzISrUdT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriCUGXiwWX
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJbjpCpsCL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNfTxvITAN
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdwUq6UELd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3Pbv8wzp9
"Hyua!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6euGrLCjN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX5771HflB
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZgIZYDipf
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwGpVKND6O
However, he did have another sharp object.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfs26ELUxe
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP5b3r18qb
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmkgFkbOBC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBpdY5Hvgh
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehu9wGWBeF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dC1svYp3E
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEe3GGRVDM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yskHKWKBl
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCFHWM4UK4
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERKFVv9g9C
And what came was–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21yHXql9XP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNpQUP6bpH
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6fzcCUFF8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADeYUSDUf3
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAhZHEpbgr
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGYy2oO0XG
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetjxKeBg7Y
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUzssAB9aZ
"--oop!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCyBnUhADg
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFzVFudnXQ
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1WH4AEwZS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7DRkkvkOA
"You... you're a sick jokester."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftNeJO0O0M
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EeOSHqEKB
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVVq8tgYNT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwjIX6rXOU
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvEHu5CS8g
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwftOLIaXjg
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q2LFCwsI7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WwadYiulL
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8peRUgOVBb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fDtaaokZv
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkqkdEyQ4u
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFEWYCY5oc
"What the hell... what the hell!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n6KEu6UIZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZnmjnTuI9
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ482Xw1Is6X
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gY702pCqr
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwE09k42Ew
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRjzQ3Ye3d
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRku2I04qtu
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhvi5V9ZQM
"...Heh."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ050vBHX4UL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbaOc438Jm
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdWQ1mmUx2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1gnCu1dgW
–
–
–
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRYzy4no3A
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpW2Y3oO6a
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyzUZdpGJb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3nPLAKeVr
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7Qp1M5MsX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhVSGh7669
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwQVYS2ELH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pP2JfUe4O
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lgJjZQcXz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sj63YwMQR
"Though I have to wonder–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESZMMpKk6O
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7FI8PPQw2
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aIvDsOcvh
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweqp7VaEHS
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz3hf7hytE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EaLYl9VaV
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDe3RaN93k
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQutldk1pJ
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneLTKykGy2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0R412VaAC
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjtyhWX6Po
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp0OtMUKwi
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.
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmBqVcxu6Q
"Irritating...!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjwMG6RRdV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rfoszKZEi
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDViKKgB2gO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBPg0BoRlp
Dave didn't like to use spears.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dDQATrDpy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuPoQ8dV1o
"...Haaaaa."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrncXMpe0zw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7UbjbEqYd
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej3G14ODdW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaliC1pckm
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9lygt4xvR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxRe4la4UJ
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhQOIJNavV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiRvsYBhrt
That's what he always told himself, at least.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SUI9DgNT4
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIION06UczD
**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**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBsakywuxY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKVDOv2fqD
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcy3JCqOND
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiiqeTzATl
**CLASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDn1STi1PS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qS4KYBrgp
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**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq3KdJ332e
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ry7q9GHGG
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?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnidYsmtMcE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw1mbh4TJW
**CLASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoPbZIuf3Y
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAOfV142bD
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklXWfs526j
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFFVD0Tbr6
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bpKkuK4yV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHQy1kM7FL
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl5OEuDsxD
Confusion–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRYfZ6zPsf
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduuV5gj7tH
**CLANG**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDdJuRhQnJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeGcna8wUv
Delusion–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ4ghcOUZ8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINTQ9Vrl7d
**CRASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gBLIwzbdC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aGjUxruGp
All lead to one conclusion:240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqIjdPjR60
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieurXKVfYy
**SMASH**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzALYVJNI90
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNc5HQXaKf
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpti8sZKe7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuliAkMcQn1
"...No, of course it isn't."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUkf88w5xD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAOEgpDgqj
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnlNOuf1hr
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6eGiNAyX4
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdjMm1vTpO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiMqE8D0qt
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TcswwWama
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qpZZXu3lz
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0MlAK25Sr
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNz5YR1vhq
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSGraUfORv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3OjtPxE2L
"Pars!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc0q2KZA8j
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQkKtXsDsg
"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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT1It150Ad
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1cKXnf2rA
"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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eILEGuWxG
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPod1MSpEvE
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBKJPsXZk1
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgaAat4Usk
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITNehv8uFn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExZzOLT82Q
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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorlS2bC1Lf
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9jgvkQJ2Z
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSHeBdgpao
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aphkJpQyU
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22p4gb791o
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtkvOHavCF
"What do you propose?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NOSTREJst
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lAAYAL9La
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykHl3lgUel
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lXUWRO2ue
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo4dwxKqV6
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CvNbBdwhD
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv8V9m3Md8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiXYQzEk6R
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIrKTE4d5C
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNPMJdrv9Z
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRfjwIqt3e
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GWBQK1nDl
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdXlCNBDnq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CMIsuXKDx
"--Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHDjuvJ3hl
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGhTLkz3c7
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYUQbRCaBU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CbbcGvFIC
"...Always backhanded, huh."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV13KWSjl3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiGFZgGNBv
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 laugh240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tKFmPviku
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI4v3J05ZC
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfiNZPFrVF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ367hxuZJeB
"We likely don't have one."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEuvroHnGM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkiPoRck6W
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIibX58sJ8v
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzpoyIt8ff
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLES8WJBiQ9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zh800TQeC
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZcJ2stQV8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaFxe6nOTv
"Well, if you insist."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0bPM2lzFI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfOMn1A26V
–
–
–
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.
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5NJgs6hPZ
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLYL2bq516
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfMvQMFMV5
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrAyyJpUcc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OrgrpEvr1
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSigEuazmO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0RxNJu9nb
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTikn8MlDt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14BcDhp5pg
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?240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6gW21sjbv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04KRFzosMM
"--!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vqCS2PWVJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAr735HOFE
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf33LTzdegK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjnqypSVXQ
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1zLMvUE6V
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhStTWV4Px
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–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRANOPu7CE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkg6rpuPPB
**SPLICE**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzQaYCV3fM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkEF2IiZiE
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lMfaGyNat
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzE6WImChw
"I missed one."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7hSJN3lAA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUURWqjKMbT
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1MeDB0gkm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOwvzlttxN
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV0uJ2dpij
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfQ0yl6Va5
"Hey!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DIX3ttAgI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvufZsoEQW
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOqJKWAKPc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FY53RI2co
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL99k3XZ8H3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoiURnhKUU
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzGH2t3sf6
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg2uxZieku
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMn6TK3IbN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a0ysnNfvU
"I never said that."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7TunO4krc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTVmNt9MXa
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl8DfhCGw9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0nCtys3ki
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbKPnw3vSV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOhyAnqPQz
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVArhOiMSja
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaHQTMy3hS
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YjRqog2Jn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIatjMHLbx
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4K06JSt3n
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z0uwgPRrP
"Haaaa. Damn you."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCgVh3kCJl
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU5I7rIaHc
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOx5UkfsTW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbxC44l4lS
"They are dead, right?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8NRpNwrJG
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdMbdPeoHV
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhcjzfFgQA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhQEIFFuJn
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnCkFBwwOC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXKmGtJKDk
"I–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqEVuNNUaa
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPfr4VHwMR
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsTChs3Gp4
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhueXKhD4u
"Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQBwr0PGAO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZmDHvNtzK
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVLyxiBhEG
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWDQ4qFD9z
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH6rJ1yElT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrIuUjXDMa
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4HTIJG16w
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbzTfcCtYA
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHDzPnVVOM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Hour9D0Jq
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4xsNZWF7x
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp2DQ28Ji0
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WBjni7LXC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIrZDM5uGY
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.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4P87DboGV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2jsfkBtx5
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtwimbmCv6
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjzbLi7Kve
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40fMtSuowt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce5BEtrKfT
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8nbGiDhlr
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiKye647hR
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDttJ801r3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcefUX7QFz
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2bZLhD9ZO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3YbNwqrFK
"You raise a good point."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFle3sRLof
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIHIzWGNQz
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaCUPD593R
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz3QvFH1nT
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8OczMc5bh
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmgraUS3mr
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotYv9hnCSs
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXDM3h2oFK
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItud3o6lYy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw63LimnKIv
"Ha, abandon?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIh7NNYEY9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pYtDG4kmQ
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CndHJdZGy
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBUNluhtxZ
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dc3O8B00D
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfb2UPrCX9
"If you were, it was backfiring."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HJp7Csqx7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMjzDNq9og
"Harhar. Very funny."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KAiARQESq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQuACSChKw
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBpmZSpldj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eNkla0TZK
"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."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBlCwYJUU6
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ806EctpsP6
"Aren't you conceited."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmPWWGiNvx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5BkfhaGR7
"You think it's arrogance?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb2gtAPXIO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQWZHkmWON
Pars began to stroke his chin.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl2zPlcR6X
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjWK6xgbLE
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunLjg1w1iN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcprtYmmRt
"But what you want isn't just greatness."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8E1Yx4TYz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoD5iMpQtc
"...Yeah, you're right."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx4Ry4Eb2s
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBrjSdJysV
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2rKnj1D4F
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BGzZb3Gej
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
