“...”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZvyHkDITX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCDGHGMQPV
“...”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQfedEq7kU
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I couldn’t explain how it wound up this way. Maybe it was how I always lagged behind, or that other members were simply more courageous than Juke and I. Maybe it was bad fortune becoming of me, an ugly trait that reared its head in inconvenient times. Pondering an explanation was a useless endeavor anyhow. At this point, I realized it just wasn’t always needed.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwrxDsMTxB
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But still, to think Juke and I were the final two members was absurd.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE99xAKOvi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKg9sWqFtx
I didn’t have any evidence, but my gut screamed at me that the final floor would be the most challenging to combat. I readily acknowledged that the Harbinger was on a lower floor, but all the suspense that had been accumulating in my body informed me that wasn’t the worst of it. Perhaps it was a superstition– no, it absolutely was –but I was still compelled to tell Juke of my hypothesis.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL2E1ge12b
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“I have a feeling–”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2hHlRAxRt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmcLzuwoXf
“This next floor’s gonna be a pain in the ass, eh?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXaMAiJoOm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBnGhfljXU
I was momentarily stunned at his read. Only in mind of course, because my legs didn’t dare to stop climbing.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQxkJp7YKd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeP3WHFbIr
“Do you also have that feeling?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9QmIVQIZ7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFLQHD2yL8
“Nothin’ like it. I could just tell by the look on yer face. Either way, I don’t think we’re gonna deal with somethin’ so meddlesome.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTrmZ9V7Vd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu80IZb6jET
“I don’t know, Juke. I just don’t know.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MPqieTJ5H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5xXNykf0L
His words appeased me a little bit, but I still found it nearly impossible not to wonder and assume the worst.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKszT2AePu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4FwtCTc0N
But, ultimately, I reminded myself yet again that that hardly mattered. Now that we’d arrived on a flat surface, there was nothing to do but to walk through that door and eliminate whoever was behind it. So we made sure to make a loud entrance. As I was able to match his pace, the both of us busted the door down. We ran into the master’s room, a spacious office stacked with papers. It was different, and far, far messier than the Foreign Pillar’s.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvzUqS2nfe
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“Y-You!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxgYwtB43X
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXgdBDUwfz
I was shocked by a sudden voice from my left. I turned my head and saw a skinny gentleman, one I could only assume was the Pillar’s Dean.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQon5yBeEi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm8sAmxKPS
“T-Thank goodness! Please, release me from these ropes!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakbfHNBKmY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnGySS6RwJ
“A-Alright!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlyf0pfTKB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVhA1unwZM
Whether his words or his pathetic visage swayed me, I ran to untie him all the same. But I was stopped in my tracks by a hand grabbing my shoulder.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmaypLz2eX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbP2Ztu1UX
“Hey! Juke, what are–”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikIk3gq3Oo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIlQZKTECK
My question was cut short the moment I looked at where he was point. Now, I was looking at the reason behind the different papers, the reason why the dean was tied in rope.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNj5e4jeoE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJQL8bpUcS
A man stood on the desk. A man with a robe I knew all too well, but more importantly, with a style of hair that I recognized. He turned his head towards us as he put a paper down, and frowned.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNp3oZ9SDG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIGh7XoDfJ
“You two… I figured it would be you that I meet.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQK9ne7xh9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKwAS12zVK
With almond-shaped eyes and a jagged, unusual hairstyle that screamed “punk,” the Bringer in the streets of this city right as this mess began glared at us with the sheen of his blade.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVBbgBYbNe
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauPH2cVLUW
“He’s alive!?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0HxXjQ2Rh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc6grgcAqB
The shock of it all was one thing, as the last time I saw him, I was sure he was pulverized and left to bleed out. But what truly made me yell in such volume was that he still had both of his arms.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlFW5Ql2A3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNEIkb0XH6
“How the hell? I cut yer thing off, didn’t I?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcekbvAqsG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QrP0r1mvK
“My ‘thing?’ It was my arm, you ass! But never mind that. What matters now, is that it’s back.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcVkvFXhAi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9x3sJ7cZz
He said it matter-of-factly, as if none of it should be a surprise. Missing limbs weren’t impossible to restore with highly potent, albeit rare and extremely expensive potions, but processes like that took months, often years to complete. And they would only proceed smoothly with frequent tending and doctoral observation.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gXiiHFIUl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaAf4ClPF7
And yet, it had only been a little over a day since I last saw him.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSyWhXVDyE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfo6UcHMR7
“Kid, that ain’t possible, is it!? Tell me I’m hallucinatin’!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApjMclLVhp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WJTHDLmMl
“...Well, not exactly.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5xp3wDZiX
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I could see his mouth agape through the steel of his helm.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcplS416ufu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyUshw0njW
“Restoring limbs isn’t impossible; I tried and failed to make a few like that myself. But to be able to do it that fast, there’s only one explanation.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4izNM2LUq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWDnAVYHg7
“Tell me, won’t ya?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJAeJKxYQ4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINgvV3czgP
“There’s someone in Hard-Bringer who’s a Grade Zero mana spinner.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkri8OkwvP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FCOiGIh2v
“...Seriously? I thought they were one-in-a-million rare.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7YuKvcPwF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8WGna1zYL
“It’s something like that. I’d call ourselves lucky if they weren’t our opponent.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JXvEpUHj8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6tuppCq6e
“You got a sharp mind, child– Bison Frost, right?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1jtElEkXq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbeS9iKodi
I clicked my tongue at the mention of the name. And to think I forgot all about it.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G7moseRDu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTE0OI2ObB
“There’s someone among our ranks who’s a world-class healer. It’s phenomenal to see her work, really. I was out like a light, but by the time I woke up, I was better than new!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJZPgfSy0m
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQZFIwOUJL
He pulled the sleeves of his robe back to show his vascular arms.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxFQH5JEhi
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“A her, eh? Looks like I know who ta’ look for.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLARaYH898v
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlloygmG5D2
The Bringer’s enthusiasm dwindled with Juke’s remark.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8XnTiDpM8
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“Right, I need to watch my tongue. I can’t be too safe.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic4NeccE5R
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIMEb0Sq5W
The Bringer hopped off the desk and reached for the other scabbard on his belt. Wielding two curved blades yet again, he stared at us with crazed, narrowed eyes.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSzCpcjQV8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyKA958bJR
“If you two are the last of your platoon, that’s perfect! It means you won’t get any help!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhB9qvKkQk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09I5j2t5GM
He took one step forward, a clear indication that he was going to charge.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYLePay3HB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLdzufoECz
“If I can chop you two up here and now, then we can pack up and go home!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHTdbYDVeG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB2AjgRypb
And then he broke into a sprint, igniting our unexpected rematch.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayyuUymMpL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWtszjeJZE
–
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–
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAxof08Kq5
–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPigIq8AMO
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The Bringer’s immediate dash complicated this whole mess. It might’ve been my fault for not taking Juke aside and speaking of a plan, but there was nothing I could do now. I didn’t have time to speak with him about our battle strategy. It helped not that the Bringer’s gesture was so sudden. It stunned me for a moment and forced me to think of a counterattack. But Juke thankfully had a quick, simple proposal:: he just drew his sword and matched the Bringer.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZKTq1Z7PF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbmZhmS94p
The first collision of the battle followed right after. Juke blocked a double swipe with his single sword, and immediately I noted that Juke had more physical strength than the Bringer, as he was able to keep him in a lock. The Bringer dashed away shortly after, glaring at us while humming curiously. I was oddly disturbed by that gesture, but I had no time to contemplate. I drew my tendril and sprouted the perfect plant for the occasion: the Thistle-Bloom. One of the first plants I ever copied from Prince’s garden, Its spikey bulb protruded from the tip of the tendril. I squelched its root as if I was choking it.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwAAh90ryM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSTOMwIFEY
Juke looked over his shoulder, and seeing that I had a plant out, he gestured his hand in a question.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fc4tiK6xK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yNNdplTQX
“It’s ranged, that’s all you need to know! Keep the pressure!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlPMONKUwT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT9qJk3nKn
He nodded right after, boldly charging at the still-humming Bringer. I put one knee down and bent the Thistle-Bloom, aiming it directly at the two fighters.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOEtcnhksd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgo3dMi5QB
It was impossible to safely shoot while the two were in close combat, but that bothered me barely. Juke’s endowment gave him a defensive edge, and with the constant threat of his sword and wind magic, the Bringer would be forced to back away eventually. I just had to wait for that moment, and as I did, I keenly watched the battle unfold.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xs2wwJXDk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEva2eFxsnh
Juke played the offensive role spectacularly. I wasn't sure if the Bringer was hesitating from past experience or gauging him in some fashion, but the end result was that swings were being thrown his way. None of Juke's swings connected, however, and the Bringer kept too small a distance for me to shoot.
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q4fym276o
Eventually, the Bringer retaliated. He swung his swords across and Juke blocked them at the center. From that position though, Juke was forced to back away. Almost losing his sword, he awkwardly stepped a few paces back while swinging his arms to keep from falling. In that moment, the Bringer dashed and thrust his weapons.
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpea7WLDPZa
**CLANG**
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSNFYbHvHL
"...So I wasn't hallucinating."
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The tip of his blades practically bounced off Juke's skin, and from the looks of it, made only a scratch on his helmet. Juke looked relieved, and the Bringer looked annoyed, and though I was distracted by relief of not seeing my friend be penetrated, I surged mana through the tendril.
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"It's a weird ability you have there. Fortunately–"
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All of a sudden, right before the thorns of the bulb spew like the water of a dam, the Bringer flung one of his blades my way.
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"I can just chip away."
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW8uJO3q0A
I tripped over myself trying to dodge it, and though all but a clip of my hair avoided it, it managed to glide through elsewhere.
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My body reacted immediately.
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"Urg--Glurrgh!"
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqaMKo9FLJ
The Thistle-Bloom was torn apart, and that viscous purple liquid ejected itself from my throat yet again.
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhHA23Ocg0
"Kid! Ah, shit!"
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfPV7OiDtq
I collapsed to the ground, limp and lethargic in my lazy legs. I mustered the strength to tilt my head up and look at the fight. Juke kept the Bringer occupied, but everything about the sight was wrong. That Bringer was missing a sword, so why was Juke forced to block every attack? Why did his posture falter while the Bringer's only strengthened?
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC0F5MlzkY
Familiar shivers ran through my spine. My limbs denied my commands, and even my eyes forced themselves blind to the scene. Then the word "run" entered my head. And then I–
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAd9w86fwV
"Kid! C'mon, I need ya here!"
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVezf42bAd0
"...Come on. Come on, just shoot!"
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBUNS9P2OP
A rush of adrenaline helped me endure the pain of forming the Dragon-Maw, but with my other hand, I quickly created a ball of fire and lobbed it at the two fighters. I didn't hit anyone, but the blaze separated them, giving Juke crucial time to breathe. He shot me a thumbs up while brandishing his weapon, threatening the Bringer just enough for him to back off.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOKI6xPgdy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHmsGfNNz3
The Dragon-Maw snapped at the Bringer, knowing by instinct who the opponent was. But to my surprise, it didn’t uncontrollably charge.. Rather, it retracted, hissing at the adversary as if he encroached on its territory.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQK0xMVWGZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16YGPvy9GT
“We don’t have time for you to act like this! Go, fight that cloaked man!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hichBOiT9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR6TEiQBEz
After my call, the Dragon-Maw calmed down. I extended my tendril, and the tide of battle tipped in our favor.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl5bZoUhaf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDwyGjfdFT
Though carrying such a dislodged, extended mass was difficult on my tiny body, I put no energy into making attacks. Dragon-Maw complimented Juke’s fighting patterns superbly, striking at times when Juke reeled from swinging his sword. The Bringer was put on the backfoot almost instantly, and the pressure was obvious from his drenched face. Despite our suffocating offense, we never managed to break the guard of his blistering blade.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eQWnPBhcg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnvMdSxvrR
He was, however, getting closer and closer to losing his footing.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKJ5VOXsf9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UN5pNz3eP
Though my arm strained and heaved, I kept the tendril out. The Bringer carried Juke and Dragon-Maw around the room, lining its edges and narrowly missing the paper piles. At some point, though, I noticed that the Bringer had to block less and less. I thought for a moment that exhaustion from Juke or I was to blame, but as I narrowed my eyes, I noticed his feet moving further and further back.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7floAkPHD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfXD3rLVgr
And only until I turned nearly one-eighty degrees did I realize why.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHKiv9Nv9H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOXpf3vePq
“Crap!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jxs9vKgVk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96eAJW7uA1
I stopped supporting my right arm with my left and quickly began mana expulsion. I didn’t have the time to make anything dangerous, so I conjured a messy ball of water and flung it at the Bringer. But I didn’t put enough for or mana for it to be meaningfully threatening. It merely splashed his face, not enough to stop him from picking up his other sword. But that brief moment of blindness afforded me a–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7wqNOGkdD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNOVYQ6qNc
**CRUNCH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9m4yQ18fZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MJDlrtP8K
The Dragon-Maw managed to clamp the Bringer at his side. It didn’t bite anything off, but from the grunts of the Bringer and the new hues of red, it was clear that the wound was deep.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtxxBOi1jw
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Unfortunately, that was all Dragon-Maw had to offer.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiIdWMjHJT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCEtBaAGV8
Like it was a basic reflex, the Bringer swung his sword and cut the head of Dragon-Maw off. I clicked my tongue and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the ensuing, and brutally-arriving pain. My preparation suppressed it adequately. I was still on my legs, after all. But it was offset by my dwindling willingness to use the tendril, and by the way its brown roots shed its sheen, I figured it felt the same. I had to ask it for one more favor, though.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRqCvATblo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWWQqqbQC2
I realized it was reckless, especially with how small the room was, but I didn’t want this fight to drag on any longer than it already had. Thus, I procured a–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUCPVNC24F
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHtS4duBzf
“Child! Child, please!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuZh8UrVuV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUomNtHT4Ul
“W-What!?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVix7zdgB7f
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxeZoVoQbY
My focus was split by the sudden calling of the Dean, who rested behind me still trapped by rope.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85LGfeYnPy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDHI08E3CC
“I can’t help you right now! I’m in the middle of a fight–”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiihtmQKoA5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoPb92VfZd
“N-No, please, at least release me from these ropes! He won’t hurt me, so at the very least I can escape!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCDabVNd3s
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP1V7Epwo6
“...”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4bpmsBB9z
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0K9zkC7e0
I had this sick feeling that the Dean was far sleazier than I initially thought, but under this kind of situation, I could hardly blame him. I didn’t turn to save him, however. As a Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip of my tendril, I stared with sweaty palms at the dueling two. Juke matched the Bringer far more comfortably now, even with him having two swords, as that injury was unignorable.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXh9dy0b5M
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlcMk35Jhj
With that in mind, freeing the Dean suddenly didn’t seem so outrageous.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXedqtqX7Nx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE8TblWASY
“Please, child! We don’t have m-much time! If you–”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXn6FlyFB3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gYGMA3apP
“I understand that you’re stressed, but please shut up and let me think!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubAgLa8J9x
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2SkbRn5PB
Even though it would just take making a small dagger out of earth, sinking that time to free him felt like a terrible idea. I knew it was possible, I knew Juke could last long enough for me to do so, and yet– and yet–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1kj8p6Pkg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMebbWXitN
And yet, the option caused my arms to shiver. To be responsible for his freedom, would just mean I was responsible for everything that followed.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu5TajSYWb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgLifccq4Z
How could I not freeze, then? How could I move like a lubricated gear to cut his ropes and–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wJSBtrHlz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQLyydiiUe
“Kid! Watch out!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7RXtNklff
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUQ0ll3amJ
“--Huh?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqFZvJd5Q9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD8icqFCzA
I was swept from my trance by Juke’s loud, worried call. My vision registered with me then, and I realized that the Bringer was charging directly at me.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAxMcErTiR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HjQn8Gseq
“S-S-Shit!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagRpb5Tsnd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggTJqOFdac
I did the first thing that came to mind: I conjured a hasty spell, shot it, and jumped to the side, causing me to land on my hip. Only, it didn’t go so smoothly. The spell I created wasn’t one of earth or fire, as trying to rush those would erase nearly half of my mana supply. So I created a large wave of water before moving. It blinded the bringer sufficiently, just enough for his thrust to miss me.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrvlp0tRvH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis9rcniYKf
**SQUELCH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdLfbJdjLs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDeHQmoeRn
But the momentum of that thrust didn’t stop at empty air.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3rVCsHadC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpy3YO04di
“--H-Hrk!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn14KdD7MNN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvjbyiycZW
“Oh?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwu1irqh3H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXpwKDJKPj
The Bringer rubbed the water out of his eyes and looked at where his sword had been lodged. He wasn’t happy or upset, nor did he look amused or angered. He had the look of someone who made a simple slip-up, like a man putting a box in the wrong place and merely shrugging his shoulders at the sight.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMSO2T70oz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnligOMmqr9
But the Bringer didn’t put a box in the wrong area. He thrust his weapon into the shoulder of the Dean.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFd7OQfvNf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqghuvmRiU
“Ark… W-Why?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vVIMEaFzK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki4h7QLns1
“I don’t have a reason. It was an accident, relax. Goodness, just relax! It’s not as if I hit your lungs, did I?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xPXMstvwh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLS8Ips475
He took the sword out and sighed, pinching his nose in mild irritation.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqSTLNnszX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9G0S4YODi
“Bystanders aren’t all that important. You sit there and try your best to live, won’t you?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc6GnhB6Cv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ0kxqNILL
“A– y-you monster!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKbeW6MnmI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmncH94LpnO
He rolled his eyes and pointed his sword.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XUXKrJwfn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrRWA7JXB3
“Shut up now. You’re just asking to be stabbed.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL50bT9oVJo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeiolgRcyZ
After that threat, he turned, looking right at me.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0KER778Sv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVOTQTakLM
“What’s that face for? Are you just now feeling afraid?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaPLPCNbBG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonpHb7m7HU
“A-Afraid?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAPO4ygbAG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgKPivkkPQ
I was stunned, undeniably, but it wasn’t paralysis. That wasn’t the case, because I saw the Dean right there, writhing but breathing, trying what he could to cover his wound. But to call myself afraid wasn’t incorrect. I could hardly keep myself from melting.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBAGxOnBzO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsboycl3ntd
“Don’t freeze on me, Kenny!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFs185YVwp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVIJ5Kw7kE
But then Juke’s words resounded from my side, and the sight of the Dean became enough for me to move. Though, I didn’t do so before giving myself a necessary rebuke.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulXRGNUlvr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWbNBzCHiD
“Damn it. Damn it!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXylm38scj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIWw1vntAj
I aimed the Freezey-Dry at the bringer and let it work. The Bringer stepped to the side, avoiding the wall of ice that formed until the end of the room. I didn’t have to face any counterattack either, as Juke kept the Bringer occupied while I ran to the Dean, forming an earthly knife.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7KWLmb2N8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhX5xJGgh3
“Come on, weren’t you going to be more courageous? Come on, come on!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLei5cssXs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWj91AgF4t
I hurriedly cut the ropes, slicing one of my own fingers in the process, but still managing to free the Dean. He grasped his shoulder and got on his legs.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X6on8C8Hn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc8VQ5M2d0
“T-Thank you.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p8futZqX7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oTwIKcttE
“What are you thanking me for? This is my fault! Ah, never mind! Can you walk?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC3OWDVntO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNtrCfVzAG
The Dean meekly nodded, which made me greatly relieved. I conjured up a quick earth spell and shot it through the ice wall, creating an opening.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfg7yUqZ8i
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7CT1r6lr1
“Go through there and leave. We’ll take it from here.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1q0XwXVOX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSCP0vO2V3
“Thank you. T-Thank you so much!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQV13Mf9rU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO46mM0beU
Though his run was gaunt, he managed to leave the parameter without being stopped. I walked around the ice wall to make sure of it, seeing him go through the entrance, and then I returned my attention to the Bringer.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzLBLLYM11
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTzFROBDGU
He and Juke were still fighting. The Bringer landed stray hits far too often for comfort, but I saw a window when the two clashed their swords and stared.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIiS39FXmt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUApujbQx5f
“What’s the matter, helmet-man? Is something on your mind? Your swings are getting sloppy.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozQ7LL0YX4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgznT7co0C
“...I hate yer type. Ya bastards always read inta shit ya shouldn’t.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP0CIvGA30
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rODObuUg0
“Juke!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAUpjWVzHR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiXoD2Lgfz
I interjected as quickly as I could. I formed a ball of earth and shot it at the Bringer. He moved to dodge it, but his toilsome wound forced him to hiss and I managed to nip his shoulder. Juke took advantage of the generated momentum, swinging his sword barbarically but only scratching the Bringer’s cloth as he dodged. The Bringer clicked his tongue and massaged his shoulder. Though it was a reach of a call to make, I felt confident that his shoulder was dislocated.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnD9vxBv9g
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtdgyS7uIP
“That kid is such a nuisance!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQbP0qGTY5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxb0hPyCxi
He yelled an enraged sentence, jerking his head to me and glaring with dagger-like eyes. I brought my tendril out in front of me as a kind of shield, though with the ferocity of which he sprinted, it clearly wouldn’t do anything.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNg7nvVWU7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rO4uQt3LB
Fortunately, it didn’t have to.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSYtNp0GnL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv389XtHWlI
“Ahck!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakVtmN0g94
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUIsG87Xrt
A gust of wind came from my right, slamming the Bringer hard enough for him to tumble to the floor. Juke followed his spell by charging with his sword raised. He swung down and collided with a shielding scimitar, unable to break its barricade. But as they struggled, I made my move.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB6fnau0PT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu4KhcgSxh
A spell wouldn’t do me good, and this wilting Freeze-Dry wouldn’t fare any better. My other offensive flower had been pierced and shredded, so I only had one thing at my disposal.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3U4wKvwi6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0qTWgeNIK
And so I extended my tendril, slamming it as strongly as I could on the laying Bringer.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngKYkfd1mb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzgyoihmPw
Juke moved his sword in the nick of time. The tendril caught the flat side of his scimitar– to my great relief –and crashed directly into his stomach. The air escaped from his lungs, and remnants of his meals flew out of his orifice. The blow stunned him well, and I retracted my tendril so Juke could quickly finish the job.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSlj0X1jYM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6EdJvXWhv
But, that did not happen.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvngeFLdPh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw20Kh32jZz
With gritted teeth the bringer kicked himself from the floor to his feet, keeping Juke and I at a distance while pointing his swords. In the midst of it, I prepared a spell with my left hand: the embryonic stage of a geyser that would hose him to the wall. Preparing it took a while, however, and it was within that window of time that the Bringer197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52t3XMrEhK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVrhxA0g8s
“I’ll get you two… oh, I’ll get you this time!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2hNaKRfLV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FOCJiID5l
He twirled his core along with his blades, swindling himself like a leadenknob. His arm covered every feature of his face but his eyes, and he glared at us with the eyes of a feline.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tJ6EvN0NV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHHyUQeaAM
From his body language, posture, and exasperated voice, it was clear to me what was coming: that bizarre technique that troubled Juke and I when we first fought.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSzy8EDXbn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gs82Bgjf9
And he let it rip just a moment later.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0zLJGQg5N
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm81PilUC6O
His speed was unprecedented, his rotation made him blurry, and his rapid blades howled in the wind it sliced. Though he spun in a rocky direction, it was just accurate enough to gain ground on Juke and I. And I knew that helmet of his wouldn’t last under such a flurry.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPRJjL6aox
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYhin2zTKR
But true as that might’ve been, it wasn’t his helmet that would be put to the test. The Bringer veered from Juke right into me, approaching at a speed I could hardly react to. React I did, however. I produced a flower from my tendril and injected mana into it as fast as I could, and before his flurry of blades came, I had something to guard myself.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEcS6PjtYK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQwoSTN32E
The beige and jagged texture of the Valencia-Bloom’s shield defended me. Small enough for me to carry, but large enough to stop speedy metal from sneaking past. It kept up with the flurry miraculously, as every cut it received closed immediately. Dozens and dozens of cuts, and none strong enough to pierce through.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQWCS4aTY8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlboDGQQaDO
“...!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILUz6SDWzH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgRz8Sij7g
None so fierce to kill my plant.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7EwpG6G7h
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyvaqnp0DT
“M-My arm!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt5eNPSktx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMHjDFvPU1
But with how often they came, my arm came close to failure.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRmvE6ZDcK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq3BnZ3EgC
“Juke!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtyRqWHiBc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6JLv6keTU
“Gotcha, kid!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox2ZVpHw9U
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2SLZGDCnU
The barrage had no effect on the shield, but my puny arm couldn’t stand against such pressure. It was impossible to keep it up. I could already feel the fear seep into me; flashing images of what would become of me should those spinning blades connect.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQYfT2GhuB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32XtxSZT4J
But something unusual happened in light of that. An action I didn’t know I had the capacity for, but was driven by nothing but my own will.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzcTQSGbwT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BoATYd0pq
I finally finished the spell with my left arm, and I shot it before I inevitably faltered.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz03zANbspg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfQtPoFAQd
It wasn’t a clean hit– the complete opposite. I couldn’t aim my palm in any useful direction, but the force of the spell was so great it still adjacently struck the Bringer. As I didn’t have time to plant myself firmly, I was sent flying as well, colliding into the wall to my right and across the room.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqesW9X5dKS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9eImap8cm
“Hrk!”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSdzoelVdY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m2kxpZapl
The slam was ugly, and I slid to the floor like mushy food. I didn’t let myself rest then, however, because that Bringer was still alive. I stood up and peered over the Dean’s desk, at the Bringer.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM1g1sgeKG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m9LioloWm
The Bringer, whose back was skewered by Juke’s blade.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLaVKOFwvw
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGAIah9Edn
“...”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQphpo66Z1d
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM0RrSsFQ1
“Thank ya, kid. Ya made it real easy.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr3TFmBMSm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbdhHTFRhC
I didn’t respond to Juke’s praise. All my attention tunneled to the Bringer. His gaping mouth, his constricting eyes, the fading strength as his staunchblades slipped from his grip. He finally turned his eyes to me, then to the man who left him in such a state.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrvxznDm5p
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rK9Tsxxxm
“Curse…”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRwoB722Cn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ64FmNu7wS
“What’s that? Can’t hear ya.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLGsII0laf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ44tHYsvqA
“Curse you, you strayfreak. Your days–”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjZDQCVDws
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB8hGUbjrp
He cut his sentence to cough. Blood leaked from the corners of his mouth– an organ of his was hit197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOILT40g5q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb3GMoj2nD
“May they, be few.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49DhnYoNWA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBpshz0Ki2
Another fit of coughing followed. It was intense and abrasive, ripping at his throat with each installment. Their strength eventually dwindled. His noisy coughs turned to raspy whispers, ejecting all the piling blood that clogged itself in his throat, lower and lower volumes as it progressed.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdfHFKqJkV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Qftqy1QV
Then he went limp. Juke dragged his sword out of the man’s chest, and he fell to the ground with a hollow thump.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPXYSrRFCe
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRXttGihzR
“That was… sad.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ554V2D5dxm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSMQPNUqfW
“Sad,” Juke asked, tilting his head as he shook the blood off, “What’s so sad about killin’ this freak?”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbM0ul9w1i
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfEJZoxoiL
“Well, I’m glad he’s dead, but… I didn’t think it would be so, so meek.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kZUGNKhXK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0wQt6lvuG
“...Yer weird, man. Yer weird.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj5nBOxr0O
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuguV5mzzek
I chuckled at his assessment. He had a point. I should’ve just been glad to be alive, shouldn’t I? I showed my gratitude by taking a few steps over to Juke, raising my palm with as sweet a smile I could make. He matched my gesture, and we high-fived.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmYVVb17TW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2xPliuf1f
“Good job. I couldn’t have done it without you.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGOzuriksN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuXkyZJ6F1
“C’mon, kid. A weakling like me–”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngBIIu2mhd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYmDgWrZST
“Don’t continue.”197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxbcIUUG9U
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RoXMHjpMD
I looked at the Bringer’s corpse. In a twisted way, it was a trophy. A tangible token that indicated our success, our reclaiming of the Central Pillar. If the lower floors have succeeded, that is. I didn’t want to think like that now, however.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNzlgEzylb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCfF0bnQfP
Instead, I collapsed to the ground, because the distance I ran had to catch up to me eventually.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K4pLrbsLK
