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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoVnD5Uakv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFy54ze3bQ
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtXe5hqG0m
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ6pdroP3J
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGaQpHPA4o
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzExXUjDdb
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMGndHSyem
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKjcQFMUrF
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV6k6rZeXx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2rbZZvQvb
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEcUVp1Kd9
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOldgX6GhU
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIMrP3UqPH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgxYIwLNLZ
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfrIoahFmi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PcCIQfmQ4
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMoiWiGaKO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGsjOSeYc7
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTBurADGqQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIhbbKx4qz
**BOOM**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQWdonLWLu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMBFLFJZhX
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl6Dk4QMGR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBPtIMevAN
"Ack!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9janBrHjSN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYXEnnpsCs
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoFos9pAfe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGabZifZ7qX
The room was a catastrophe.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2vn8VfULi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3sMehpJ5A
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVFPd9AG7K
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgexbWbTsP0
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNho7bs5wK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2znX0itjop
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQAtrST7QU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFEr19oT24
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqMJgVYPW6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t9CjIgLGZ
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc74sNPr4is
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKTFgZZfMj
**STRIKE**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2O4BybN38
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwITVrpH93D
–only to be immediately interrupted.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6gykfee42
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhScgulA7Q
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEc6LESH1g
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTitiT4TtqT
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfX0m8jhNY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tMO8bXSzv
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBylPwdhHzH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPyKHLUcre
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uXH4p76wK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUqJ6PPmxG
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oWbgpaheq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEJnqcxKfX
"C'mon!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2zwq1E4fT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLB4e7ZgPo
"--Ah!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzjkpqpSG2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagy04iy2Bi
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQPVeGssrh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QnOKLnBCU
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2adZSZpeZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5YnQNKAVb
–
–
–
What a moron.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9DOlKB1sT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycpFwyeStY
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurSudFz9CN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9sCQ2rPhZ
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY3KxfwPdz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBenn21dqPE
**THUD**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutQYB0q8xZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEuWp7DGIK
"Ngh!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1NkUPp4Xa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrbid9R19r
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxPNHShwu2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEZDOUsep8
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxeFNK05xU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6kqby9BbE
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSrv5jui5H
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbJK7ADoDK
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxNG1TcnME
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMinC1rjGb
"--I should've known!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkmXPJJ9uE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhucFRxLIku
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuhYDSAi8w
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKQe3xopAk
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctHxEaGPIz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANvdPUVh11
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRz6YcPedA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2daGuzKaZt
"DAVE!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXrMj4W6XV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkPI6YHmUT
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgdPM3EUSC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobb7BEkaAc
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59T8Qip13y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ3g0eOiui
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.
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxCFcueSYG
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBVqaBN6O4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5DyfRAa28
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGMeFzpeHG
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUfZ1m0QeJ
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35Fu79XXjT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X88EiRlg8
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDa2J0MBK1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee9GrvOUug
"...Those are our first casualties–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhfICovtR4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnUABB3VKo
**BOOM**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrnq2V85qn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSiSlRFTnm
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8V5sX0wwQ5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpnBD2YhdX
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wlFJHG1u0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7w4pYZ66n
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXEoQDlRSD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpOu0NIhao
"I'm here now."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctl7f60595
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO47UCb1B0H
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSADIUZAyj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vNpehyrBB
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSu9gQeZdH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI8bm0ErwI
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRU8mHWjgi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W5JwWn1Wc
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R6lkInI7D
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe49Mn88T2
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ122ggnk5GB
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4ZXjDM7gg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5832HzR3J
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xcO54ounw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGP08b5rT4
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaHnOoqZzf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKR2Qson8H
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbESxwcvMe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH9zopx2V7
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlebSnlffe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJoqP9LQCV
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9526PHLC3f
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEa7VKnQm0
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaCJPbwUAy
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHlrzPDkM4
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytpxiypyLM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPbPVZKq4h
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zny8hSuAs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv5dKcjmih
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aXcXryKvi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q927vYtRe
**BOOM**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIHZdf8Ox4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGSyQpBPZN
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ntmtGPaM5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVy5nUUIvH
"Pars!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRBAGxjeeb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjWUC2fc0s
"Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1iVkJmsOZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKYpWQNZGB
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRgZZz7s0K
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIcUe4aNzg
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI50Em0NZ2y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fY3QZSUkO
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsDQF3ThRA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgKY8ReEJq
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMkm3XoF9z
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jGw2XQxOc
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr0ZaP3Fei
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uZ1yVDmRD
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvifaaoExo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg19Bx3F1Ac
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9ndUe5J3h
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWIbeyFy9E
**CLANG**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9abZQrIAKg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnOzB8UbXr
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSp86a1WYZf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7dNHafvc9
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRfT5ZNg9F
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PN4oSEFcG
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9nfdi4YLI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd064kHzlU
**SLAM**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJK3mS5VBP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGGbsZwuT9
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCF76W9yr0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw82zaZYIq
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6JJobb9ZR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5bsHcjjsz
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfK9ONGuQR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgcu0gO0Bn
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mFqenjfos
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53vuwQ07CO
"Ngh! Shit–!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSvq12KoFt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwa9Qi2CN5
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0lIZtd0yF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHHMX0wGkD
But then–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VgZyH8bZK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTytJKLKaLn
**BOOM**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECeNhqd1Gb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2GmJNnDKc
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPNg5aL9c7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeruBXVevSl
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk51Ffxh7i
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1LnrUrtT9
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9qD69RsMU
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrog3jtj1y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDPTLbYzkP
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyZZ2XDBdb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAEFr1ntse
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfRwH8ez03
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2rJxoN0ax
"Gah–! You scared me!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3xUwrihMK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSalxRD7XN
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSY4WiScfa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2cFX7RePc
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknlJH89nMn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmakZYB9BTG
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NA1eCdfp9
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSoLSU6H4R
"No, this is terrible."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0n4vFO6oY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp3RsZZ3aX
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtCvfD851U
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjtyapDCP9
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLstzpFvAVA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffvkvim8nd
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsREPjoW45q
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBHDrF8hBo
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81qe4EhNrX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzEvCHdZb5
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHwg8XjTYh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOpj0fEHY1
"No. No suggestions from you, please."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyaIT4WIc6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGEuxBRgsl
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCBP9Vb0BE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ40Tx9Ymg
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlqEkxsRyv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIP4QV4qbw
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ43xicumLi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFuvOUQNOo
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV1BZisXFy
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGmihoxK4c
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkndcLHKQz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiEaSAx4G8
Still, no response.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxqYiVIq0M
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcC5GNEX3W
"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–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NM1UHFy1d
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HGfuOtX5v
"Because you're entirely incompetent."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdFp3fGbpf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZBAmmq8Fz
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkaZUmmeKt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl5PYunmvJ
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcEH3Fy2Kc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMGi4d7xn4
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJflLoGYJX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGAY54Qu8r
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v98QwSpac
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhWzuK305N
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yJewebp8D
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96xUniBQR9
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqolpUaQV3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4zSkkxWwZ
"What?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21zdqV4BUY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK6wT1aEDb
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m1JI31RNz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh1RSv5TWA
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0KeWTWomU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkOzFQpcn1
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTEtEFrw31
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvVTJUZGUY
"...I see."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi3aOggtLt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv72wsLNlP8
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ejfzsbwbe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYByYGeWk4
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XpixC3GUv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOrOt1LFos
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzefJPAURH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWXdI61jjV
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTnV07fMcg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndW9noSt1p
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlc5nr4LF8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWrKs1nzDG
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvceYawheM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVdH2gDigI
"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–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfrNkADI51
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02za0ZhhrJ
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPa9ElMqRc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD44OGgxX5U
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfJKhQjics
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Q22fh5Az
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:142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkm7Js8kZa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVELoH13DT
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8EykGNKu0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbRKfqjLGD
"Alright!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtQMhHM8nG
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVHPZqYbbH
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVttvtIZfI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qovPpqg7G
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2BXxTBYum
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkXLhaQwxl
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LKtGaqB1M
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlJMCCdCOJ
–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMQ0ZAh7iE
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJA6RmCEPk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJzUY1f2X8
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLiE5Xit21
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFByyJ5Ek9
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rmGrT41MK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9U7f2U5T1
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QWzAIP49y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYJy7rtt1n
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDx3r5JiZ6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUETUh9ren
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRqhNPAL4P
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmphKFplG1d
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTTqdcrv6I
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04qYbyaUll
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYoUDu9dWu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKnKI4WZ12
"--No!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡughScSutRe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQAnw7TMSW
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkhGXwSXOk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXNDv8fOk0
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iJ2LPb8AR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUEna58yd5
"Hyua!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCywHz9h6JO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYEPRXeXhL
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLFSwMw12S
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69QboBXD2U
However, he did have another sharp object.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagUrlejBys
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq085Wuvcj
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1LIxuW2iY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJxm7lE3iN
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHqW7tbi0S
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEao3g0puE
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIVABPEh1f
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMi7yxTbtS
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qPXnFEDxJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVTY0P7VW2
And what came was–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu169BLIFGj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWU7IYwaLU
**BOOM**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgnkTRs9bX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u00SPNIXt
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu6cQ7SfPU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ269sI2CgcZ
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRbHTtzuKJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXsm5kROCd
"--oop!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVUwdTqROP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuVFIf6nf7
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxYOk1sUmg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0abbkYYjv
"You... you're a sick jokester."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWcZWx6cEA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVe97VvhrP
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt6k4seZus
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc46IPhWcC0
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRw9xE30hI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYct6Ut2dW
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReeAUCCOQp
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMIWSd62Bx
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0qsSR2Bjh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlehoUBilAR
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdaCDH9R7r
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4kpkrDctL
"What the hell... what the hell!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgTdsHeBXT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQU7UHdngP
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNqUPdatT7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3Lgh3r6jg
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rz5NJL1TK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEVqpkcfPf
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4pwuvQyPa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KghH5XGbf
"...Heh."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMh0ZH7wyQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJso5MIttY
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG0vomLfm8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRHjLNFUUz
–
–
–
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocdWEKhe9m
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6p1hRmBRx
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTGN7iFk0L
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzAahe4Ms4
**THUD**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC87PevKtR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ri0xeONIC
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEIC6Mn25M
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdatIetHdTV
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyQM9JYwoY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4IH8Cc9rm
"Though I have to wonder–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JfCx7Dz1L
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnzQo0WuXb
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtQOe1AGKQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhzJhSThMs
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWxYTCGNq6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMVvMR2SX9
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEhFzN8Hkn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBedgNtdJB
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9oGvEszsy
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrToXQ6R7Y
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LYI3mPOht
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGtgwZMPKj
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.
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlCWgtRgyn
"Irritating...!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpr89WDqKi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHbv5HTn1p
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnqADImnwt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaVFsCTrBR
Dave didn't like to use spears.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2izOi5Lx4S
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkksD4ADPY
"...Haaaaa."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlbVSEuYLo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYffYIv8Br7
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIA5cdMFwd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMlu6krnJK
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJDAsalyAX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUcT1zqWVm
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6mEhSODU4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCABBQQCWkM
That's what he always told himself, at least.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qqcF57TV7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXdmfD2w3A
**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**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkZ6WFl8F9
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmbEiZpxPU
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6ykz5rqtb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnC5Fz6ajP
**CLASH**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aj4rF85qL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80wJSua0zq
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**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z8DVFqOYF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpysRxKlai
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?142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkxZXHwnJb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIqsNvJYIz
**CLASH**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz93ZieA0F0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOjM9Dt5ni
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YV03u2GeA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEacCVmBYB
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl80yvbyl0C
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAhWodWkt9
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6DS5F43Fj
Confusion–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4GWKIpAu3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22rROGNc1q
**CLANG**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRFpZ30MLv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBCKziE4Ys
Delusion–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGCDNBz7ep
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWj50MRzjp
**CRASH**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhF5bPZqaX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXihbKKKbzL
All lead to one conclusion:142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzJf1WXNOw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95YI1BgBCZ
**SMASH**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEPtoKcFz4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd8KuYm11u
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZfuoNs7il
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubUqbIefQc
"...No, of course it isn't."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UOtHUbGmU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56huUHnqri
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jMDv8P35t
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMyLF7ohLQ
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GtWRC2WE7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QrqdoYo5f
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaq2MCbuV1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnr1jWyMT4
**THUD**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOZMpeND0q
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk1NzWGGvb
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsimz3cZFEu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUVxc0TtET
"Pars!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmGQMXSA9Z
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdWf2swjm9
"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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8194908PU8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlh2vGLV1n
"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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y9r1uem5d
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VlrH52P4m
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV6vlCxhlS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4TmkFf7UR
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhvQARKP5T
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFvtCeldqd
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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Q1RixOhu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMGrUW0n0m
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHSa8BfYxP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrjK04Vit4
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY63coc3sv3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtfMezU0VI
"What do you propose?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMOvP1t5XI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfi9qc5LNW
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Yxshbdvv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqGJYK9zxf
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xbjuGxLC0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU2pXNHD2Q
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OvtlRoPDG
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXTDdHzqEU
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV93TSlKcHG
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOsnhP4xKQ
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Or7RoN6Oa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oPH0KnMOJ
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MJtJjuzqN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswGjrO1pfw
"--Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GKhlJUsId
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHolYCRuqW
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo7Qc5VB10
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkvCNpnDcT
"...Always backhanded, huh."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ksdz3XWA6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eyGIuS6cq
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 laugh142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O5ZIN5xYx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh4TFc66S5
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7qMODo4bF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWeL8IN9mc
"We likely don't have one."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJmBdEppz5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTincmSYXr
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa6eV6QTQE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTVLxDmifO
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafmuC9mnWJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3meM9TPj5
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYecdg3CPF0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmuGkprHkH
"Well, if you insist."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM00RcIKSV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD1k0hDYON
–
–
–
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.
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTriS4LeH2A
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40Mh2kzLIu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFXCzCdBw4
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuuLpADEgs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwxPspj9R6
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkhZ3f3Rvc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4CvnOu7LN
**THUD**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsCaV6EHnH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAH7N7oufV
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?142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd7JWV2RGd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0COQssIYJ
"--!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7GVef5iLg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83EsOLNyk1
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkx7sHMjFO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI32PmnvCC
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1104BJRObr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT7EVbntyL
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTNwunaCx5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAeqqgdCSL
**SPLICE**142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKGDon5b5r
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4B3jE6hxK
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZDZVAD50c
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceu70k3c9F
"I missed one."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsI2W3Mf1G
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf74oLqePtk
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5mS9LHv54
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxRIgNKV3I
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwkGX8UyjY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSgZanXlSS
"Hey!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYOfPu4TNu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYVgNmOHQ5
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPMzsrZ7nF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0XSjO7b99
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM0AFaKTQa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfPJhKcb3i
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHz1bbKXIY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbPy5xGyE0
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLWEojYyYf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1XNqUxGA7
"I never said that."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktlOXQzLWq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamMOVk7SXE
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhVXgopgYl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiloNQ6Ynzd
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAUlXqJbdI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXRYYiLxxs
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDwSC6wQKV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDS91100Yh
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi67D0j89hj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiAldllORD
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6tO5yxmu7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckOMd2LaJi
"Haaaa. Damn you."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nq4ZWnrUt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37YM6ttTw5
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jE9SBeDhb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUIW3ztbwp
"They are dead, right?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6SWhakN3F
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6aW0r9eg2
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XDnzPKbKa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxohDRk8mw
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeAX8iWndw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhdlAvXerj
"I–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3edWqbT7Mi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYaGWvMMI0
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUUkotfRBP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbPpc0vJxz
"Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprp9Ud3lT7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusTsLtHmLn
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJGRp3mrYh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEod8LRD04L
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8tp4b3iUK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQOTC5PbgT
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQu0srE9Qi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0ywafXpK8
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZKt1fVPPI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqytaRL4XjA
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcF3Radw3h
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYnpGD8Kcv
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LW6u74sFB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg73AvLrNE8
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNP3kKmCml
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf68Tk64oDA
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnDUUpbIKr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hjtyh2Pch
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXLG0lzcgg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghQfy7aLXh
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQsvddLHd1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ4apfTSxb
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2XlKgemss
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdjDaHcpuF
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTq1eMtYi0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzQMyBQ7MF
"You raise a good point."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd63EAPR1H8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw4nkbcZHF
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgqzlEO86X
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26mA1mmWgp
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfP5it1ozE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHl2Qw9hdE
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh89RKgEPQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj5xGPr9oj
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa9XWicsD7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZADbHkggg
"Ha, abandon?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfeo7Xm5Zd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuwAVdJnNy
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy7CmBSl69
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51XggWRg33
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ470Wqtp07C
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKp8ajAVX3
"If you were, it was backfiring."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvpl38GkMb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUYptZbOqr
"Harhar. Very funny."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfEmKHEqlX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsUc1WASPg
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaS4i2RSh4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYBvp59mPx
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9u37eJxhE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF77XQmCqyH
"Aren't you conceited."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv8K75yutz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEw2ULNVP9
"You think it's arrogance?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQA9JW67QU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsdStIFj0k
Pars began to stroke his chin.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMfVsJsi5x
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmz0EpoyVA
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoctjejHaJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWtpB9Quzx
"But what you want isn't just greatness."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4WiIZcGwr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdt1cB7jUV
"...Yeah, you're right."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfkejBpSpS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H9M95dPdC
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IBJvyIf2B
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4ldcOXPiy
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
