“...”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcSu15xoqY
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hdEEweGHH
“...”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwIvjuqItE
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIvU6gGQDk
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But still, to think Juke and I were the final two members was absurd.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXHCjtJIPg
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuATjBVqoa
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojrCokGb6q
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsltnPEGsND
“I have a feeling–”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8O2N4daFF
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8wb4QJJrM
“This next floor’s gonna be a pain in the ass, eh?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z5rkTuBs2
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW34ZuxdIs
I was momentarily stunned at his read. Only in mind of course, because my legs didn’t dare to stop climbing.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXBsBl1G0n
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmh5sGH8Y0
“Do you also have that feeling?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzQyKcCf2l
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS23FBqqcEI
“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.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutPrwZ5lma
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8u48qWmWS
“I don’t know, Juke. I just don’t know.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSEs42HQeU
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHIqptjBfo
His words appeased me a little bit, but I still found it nearly impossible not to wonder and assume the worst.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aV0kdDiKq
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHc9Txfrdk
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“Y-You!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEx3u1p0Jn
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ4aBVRkri
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHk5D6RNME
“T-Thank goodness! Please, release me from these ropes!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD9imhllz7
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWJ0ipfyVr
“A-Alright!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHj8msPBRd
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKVAbLDt7T
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT08td7aK4E
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDI2acoKAT
“Hey! Juke, what are–”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvs9709hzA
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qs2ZPJqNu
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GL5rRR7lX
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iSdVWnrUm
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYEbosn6KJ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0gsnmH6Q9
“You two… I figured it would be you that I meet.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FHJ8xgpVq
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAeUBTGTSD
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOa4OkmqdB
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoJd2HgFrh
“He’s alive!?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZMxeSq7VI
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eMztFzthb
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIWe6CVLjT
“How the hell? I cut yer thing off, didn’t I?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz39uGeAQds
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomYTOHVmuO
“My ‘thing?’ It was my arm, you ass! But never mind that. What matters now, is that it’s back.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IZBbfnVAT
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg5RlpbtNH
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT0uSzuuvb
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And yet, it had only been a little over a day since I last saw him.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyuIxIxqHE
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2ONyQQLSq
“Kid, that ain’t possible, is it!? Tell me I’m hallucinatin’!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvzWnaQgQu
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuk8IjQBfL
“...Well, not exactly.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzqb2shoBX
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I could see his mouth agape through the steel of his helm.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH75ompqVu
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“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.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUxJWTClec
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrktumlNFSz
“Tell me, won’t ya?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS24Q1Krs5
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCizqoVOAXZ
“There’s someone in Hard-Bringer who’s a Grade Zero mana spinner.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtY7Zd28Wo
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgS2ci8418
“...Seriously? I thought they were one-in-a-million rare.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FzK7dKwrm
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmNSAU1q8T
“It’s something like that. I’d call ourselves lucky if they weren’t our opponent.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSdBG7rKeI
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2WWeqjMkt
“You got a sharp mind, child– Bison Frost, right?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUhOsSvPmi
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOIQtqlTPE
I clicked my tongue at the mention of the name. And to think I forgot all about it.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7mVrQzFey
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHncMVqqwPy
“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!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk67GqfPJ4
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xrj0EBmHp
He pulled the sleeves of his robe back to show his vascular arms.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xS0wvdJWK
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“A her, eh? Looks like I know who ta’ look for.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4JEToFz01
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The Bringer’s enthusiasm dwindled with Juke’s remark.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pLRTm82Am
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“Right, I need to watch my tongue. I can’t be too safe.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpX62y0yjW
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8nwDWe9gE
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqUHudDWaB
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZACeMq61SY
“If you two are the last of your platoon, that’s perfect! It means you won’t get any help!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqOwXxr9Rg
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMQaaKnjHS
He took one step forward, a clear indication that he was going to charge.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqjiWdeSIP
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKP2Fm10xb
“If I can chop you two up here and now, then we can pack up and go home!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0ade9jR98
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQLYKsZOT8
And then he broke into a sprint, igniting our unexpected rematch.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4Rp6qW6in
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfclTNkuyx
–
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RKJnTEkMs
–
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJDfqqxBSy
–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ87t3iQeQ
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP6YyWzvx3
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjDp75851a
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8CWperyOJ
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Juke looked over his shoulder, and seeing that I had a plant out, he gestured his hand in a question.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANZnv8vYJM
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“It’s ranged, that’s all you need to know! Keep the pressure!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQK4NNgHC0
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC985TxKx1V
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTXhf6fPEk
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpicekTTrJs
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRJAlb3U67
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.
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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.
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**CLANG**
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"...So I wasn't hallucinating."
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRtto200vn
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."
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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!"
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEOKfbePlg
The Thistle-Bloom was torn apart, and that viscous purple liquid ejected itself from my throat yet again.
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"Kid! Ah, shit!"
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pKe1G63hP
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?
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy89Pw43MRy
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–
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"Kid! C'mon, I need ya here!"
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBBzv7357E
"...Come on. Come on, just shoot!"
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPI05H71cK
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJiiFgpuNe
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GFhSUVOY4
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7Ud3Zs85Y
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD91XhEBdMf
“We don’t have time for you to act like this! Go, fight that cloaked man!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViavHqCu7I
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4whpEKTzj
After my call, the Dragon-Maw calmed down. I extended my tendril, and the tide of battle tipped in our favor.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaf5LyD6sy
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPmaws5Sih
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL0kstAhKE
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He was, however, getting closer and closer to losing his footing.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7efBQWFtHH
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV2uKStSaN
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And only until I turned nearly one-eighty degrees did I realize why.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd0EdqAXkX
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“Crap!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz5yVti6pX
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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–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A9ToAYoeE
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwDNUYOL49
**CRUNCH**268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvUjxl8ufL
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iyuR6agg1
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Unfortunately, that was all Dragon-Maw had to offer.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZfiXzqHq6
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOLaK1p028
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt8IWGnYEE
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–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGz0Dhf1wz
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“Child! Child, please!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn84UcZzGba
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“W-What!?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYycCW0TCfJ
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My focus was split by the sudden calling of the Dean, who rested behind me still trapped by rope.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrA0mlOqqc
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“I can’t help you right now! I’m in the middle of a fight–”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMah7YZ5rIJ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlshLzjyubO
“N-No, please, at least release me from these ropes! He won’t hurt me, so at the very least I can escape!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvsWi9AFKX
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsCOPp7hu9
“...”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakZVRo6InY
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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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU0dpSRUTE
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With that in mind, freeing the Dean suddenly didn’t seem so outrageous.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb4Fdas2j5
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“Please, child! We don’t have m-much time! If you–”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyfv2l9Ke2
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi9fzwq8o1
“I understand that you’re stressed, but please shut up and let me think!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGWzMPzK9Z
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzr08yIjCg
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–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWuZpyzJjd
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fY0zlpsVS
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1UkNnDwFw
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iGcf3gD0D
How could I not freeze, then? How could I move like a lubricated gear to cut his ropes and–268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHQQ0oPi9e
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoThdwUOyXI
“Kid! Watch out!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S7IXkpMW6
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbI6zp5kiG
“--Huh?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbjN1lRMmX
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpR3XPtE8o
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepBNftonav
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOfd8c6tCd
“S-S-Shit!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5eVk8ofuq
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuihjcUOFWr
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnthV04zZMx
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTJp2rNssk
**SQUELCH**268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP44jfvVKZ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEBmEW7icy
But the momentum of that thrust didn’t stop at empty air.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTdyRiiRbA
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAiAaFlkJF
“--H-Hrk!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ0bTFvHPa
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrsLRmTLLa
“Oh?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0mapbVajF
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEy3MMzNyG
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0a7vpGnTn
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9OVRBBVsf
But the Bringer didn’t put a box in the wrong area. He thrust his weapon into the shoulder of the Dean.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CbrZcRDzf
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVKHC0PBCb
“Ark… W-Why?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpsV4cBqme
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGDdMs6MId
“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?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn92WrKKKZ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1sEFwSgNJ
He took the sword out and sighed, pinching his nose in mild irritation.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixYcC9B9jw
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIkO9rjVuY
“Bystanders aren’t all that important. You sit there and try your best to live, won’t you?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeRnWeHFuP
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXRnZgBQJ1
“A– y-you monster!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFTHSEJzIU
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNdb2keRwM
He rolled his eyes and pointed his sword.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnbDDSzGdW
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpXF5GmWaW
“Shut up now. You’re just asking to be stabbed.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDTWH2tG86
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0fsa58DSu
After that threat, he turned, looking right at me.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs6VYttPxd
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYItYdn0HG
“What’s that face for? Are you just now feeling afraid?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP8rpeEfPd
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g8bbXp9Ku
“A-Afraid?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtVfHDOhmX
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTAmKaaTrj
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUz9Hh37fP
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpWDZSj5Jf
“Don’t freeze on me, Kenny!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQbbeF8uxT
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRvRrkUVpF
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT0ZeJoLQ3
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmynyp7IhzE
“Damn it. Damn it!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwe2Wmwljs
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC4wfvqWII
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJGSKWRQ2M
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAwpKqjUkE
“Come on, weren’t you going to be more courageous? Come on, come on!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiRtD8LEWA
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvpLxaMLAD
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszIGkfEQwu
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wS8R1TeVs
“T-Thank you.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUQfBETin6
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lH44tfAck
“What are you thanking me for? This is my fault! Ah, never mind! Can you walk?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIXJ6QdSM7
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRO9cWg2HK
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uPn0xhWH2
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLj1VM5Y4I
“Go through there and leave. We’ll take it from here.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ246dVN0sWD
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgF4Oulsgk
“Thank you. T-Thank you so much!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwT2acvtOn
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXh0VnlsG7
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDJFJkNn0B
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ6znsmpx0
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wu8IJL9Cl
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YYSfxgAYK
“What’s the matter, helmet-man? Is something on your mind? Your swings are getting sloppy.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74yrJoKUAj
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCSCYJPo0U
“...I hate yer type. Ya bastards always read inta shit ya shouldn’t.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CyIcRvAWF
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfX2TAMOHB
“Juke!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2ZoYWypTw
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGdPERuBne
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs87D4GtgD
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gSiXnPkVC
“That kid is such a nuisance!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr7lxccPPK
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5tCsGIW0e
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiz9QpYHEy
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixqiOnZJbX
Fortunately, it didn’t have to.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsTBSZzwET
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiImYL8d17C
“Ahck!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCr7k6jBkw
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirk5fYybpR
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLhJHFrWfM
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZA6JUq7c7
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqAe0XDKwR
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaJAmAuzJi
And so I extended my tendril, slamming it as strongly as I could on the laying Bringer.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpbdAaaoPz
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz2Jparu1D
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWDAdRpdxA
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRiNnNSOis
But, that did not happen.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSWR7yYK5h
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUynjDGQzRp
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 Bringer268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjtAOaGjbJ
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdeopmSbdL
“I’ll get you two… oh, I’ll get you this time!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKtZwTanKd
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp8EuYwHMR
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrBhnsBWbI
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73bIN4r5ub
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0VcT85o0y
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSx1FUmoL5
And he let it rip just a moment later.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5aUl7Nq9n
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOwojQAdbX
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCfWqOeCfM
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMq0cRBMUe
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwmz6exUe4
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5ENzttUMd
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeA3DGhuga
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEiZpJ1vKT
“...!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkkucbxGKV
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdbWgvYGpo
None so fierce to kill my plant.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JXKgD2HFH
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV2qFJ082r
“M-My arm!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBKRX00RPG
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFGDMgEgt6
But with how often they came, my arm came close to failure.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgeYx8riej
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O5XQbNdsm
“Juke!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WBLaOLdoK
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxFzsTLi2r
“Gotcha, kid!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BMwcFTonF
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHmOFtsaBI
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopnePGx7kG
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfnGumqbEg
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuciGQ5KaBB
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gFHkVvwMj
I finally finished the spell with my left arm, and I shot it before I inevitably faltered.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARQ3k1W582
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXsHxFzseR
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePXVoBRFnK
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwJnugutdH
“Hrk!”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLcaAv4gV1
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREu7RryhVV
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TyDXg8oGT
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBNDV0cS5F
The Bringer, whose back was skewered by Juke’s blade.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy0CQcyem4
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunSKsjNohJ
“...”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbMmb529fI
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbzzFulMI9
“Thank ya, kid. Ya made it real easy.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wDHNipMYY
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVeQRPo6ZK
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSXhpmXvlU
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPAD6A3Xtr
“Curse…”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeqrIGGkcW
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZBFHhLlKL
“What’s that? Can’t hear ya.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB60sxH1rd
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6riIkM2Q3U
“Curse you, you strayfreak. Your days–”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwlNzJsYPw
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1d6lkRx3q
He cut his sentence to cough. Blood leaked from the corners of his mouth– an organ of his was hit268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgcYh4TKSG
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIio3oM43S
“May they, be few.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPSP6Q4nlX
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWniWS4AZz8
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiez35xr57g
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYRfuulcYa
Then he went limp. Juke dragged his sword out of the man’s chest, and he fell to the ground with a hollow thump.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh73541FHN
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqAH2i6Tpj
“That was… sad.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR69Mvqb1CW
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKuxarAfBi
“Sad,” Juke asked, tilting his head as he shook the blood off, “What’s so sad about killin’ this freak?”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IhFpD3pmB
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP6EgPqRft
“Well, I’m glad he’s dead, but… I didn’t think it would be so, so meek.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl2vkWgJCU
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAfHmOR6Oi
“...Yer weird, man. Yer weird.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvK1zf0r7c
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf93wkMhAv
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwBgDYlVA6
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5shWc5JMBU
“Good job. I couldn’t have done it without you.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseS4iJAFoC
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJqT7jIUSo
“C’mon, kid. A weakling like me–”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh05uP0kXL
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7WY7JwuQe
“Don’t continue.”268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMrOS7VnYT
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwUkwvV9Hc
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.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn1NdalATA
268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xE1lwX6wo
Instead, I collapsed to the ground, because the distance I ran had to catch up to me eventually.268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuuN6czVov
