Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMzcLSmrY3
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rhzmWv6Ti
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Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrepExNG0T6
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"What are you doing!?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz53YxhWX5
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"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpoTaXO2BJ
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**BOOM**75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3h5PJ8G5B
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My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVVlVCa5dF
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"Ngh, damn it!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA3jRrrLOq
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Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQq7DPyqFH
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I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBiTtphfxf
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"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtARcaWLr5
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With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeFUGnq3WJ
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq0i3Kq3lx
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"--Damn it! Rover!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelUHAr9bk9
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I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk1E7LtPOZ
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"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPpfKNcgot
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Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrZGPpXWj4
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"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFI8oQWvyP
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyxd50KCj8
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W55HNPBbb
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Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLqn0l4EOi
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"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3MMVTJKdp
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"Huh? Juke? What are you–"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdRthkKCRC
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"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMoq3s8WUT
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Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyScXOcjATb
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"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA3F2v7yNh
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"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9UrHcLIgt
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Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UK3Iy7c1U
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJPy5Kg9a9
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonbLVMC0mz
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LMnGFi3u2
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Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8CB44pl4q
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I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcaqBZmqMU
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"Hey, Kenny!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEb5gu44Uo
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Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i524Imydn
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"I-Is she okay?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWYuNcSx1s
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"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0Az85H4Nw
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"I don't know what that is!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouj7q8Ybze
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"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dpHlNfrxD
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Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyr7QHXfh6
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Though, that did raise the question–75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpUBGH82mk
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"Do you know where you're going!?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyS9D4JZRX
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"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQpFT6M1or
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"Ah– where is Dennis?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwMydTOshp
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"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ2PW6VBHm
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That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VAoUFqPKG
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"Shit."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcBIDdeTsg
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Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLaGgxW8cC
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"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGicnhQ4CG
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyekIb6bW9C
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"...Alright."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPoFPKj8a3
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNltDuAFrNV
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"Alright, I'll take yer question."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFVGMyTBr1
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"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pjNWRpD6O
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I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoZ5u2DBro
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXcJy9hEJr
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"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86zbU4G1lf
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The man stopped speaking.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhk1g2vC5c
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"Alright, carry on, then."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQLCauZp1O
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"...Eh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrGEsTGQmN
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I shared in his confusion.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEiM8Ud8Ej
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"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSskAHm8yz
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"I-If ya say so!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1bmxT6oiE
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Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqX1de8plY
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"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3YPeYtrhR
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And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC2IVjykar
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"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JYLGrhjP9
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In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o789ToBSc
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I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5w8TBgnj7
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN3GUvvH67
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"Damn it, kid!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ay2hWBUQ
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Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
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I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YxGDPFDuc
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**SMASH**75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMC3kEC52B
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I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqai2Zp37Ga
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtrGEBP8UJ
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Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE4FyIhHwP
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The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdfkrxO51U
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At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU84euH0u2
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVYwkRYEnq
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The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF27AEuUbyk
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe8KegtkUb
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"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4LN9TJlvL
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Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnOaGyAZnY
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"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe79MnGsBgS
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Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17FWrwSaL0
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"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEToP7tOUEd
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"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6QQ6FFfdr
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr3nZ2wkHe
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Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL34JoOI61
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"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLERs21CSxS
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His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaPeoGjkSZ
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"Like I'll let ya do that!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOJ02ZSMAr
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But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzec7WNssPs
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"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQBe5i39Yp
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Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBBhkHvxEN
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yVuikaDyO
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I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01iUmbAtB0
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But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6ZDFjKZKL
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Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatMqJhENO5
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"--Hrk!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NQ8yRfkkW
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Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHe5uQ7zvh
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With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABxVqyJsUO
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"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLxAI6A8aQ
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"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TPY5gqc9l
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"Whatever!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZolJawaIjt
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The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngvm1cbr6i
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I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQkdGduccx
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I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxvULwGC3y
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Dread, worry, guilt–75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1KORxjBNV
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"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0QAYZinDE
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oJAuIM3xe
"...R-Right!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICBq4E37pv
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Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVhrMoWpod
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With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJvCsMKaH9
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**SLAM**75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM6l5Babnl
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That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFNDWPcKDN
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The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvSjU90N9h
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"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEmDZVOJIy
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"--Ugh!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhke0ZuXJe0
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His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJnPXwvo7J
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I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KtR7CoGp1
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**SMASH**75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43keDOeFTE
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The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxUt4c5OMa
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisb3htQsPE
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"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz7KpGL5qu
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"Ah! Sorry!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvir5e4v7O5
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Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VtmKRFy4F
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
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"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCArq3b9Y6f
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"N-No, that's not it."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInlyNv6jlG
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Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIwhQjVDCd
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"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvZb7WmdUq
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Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
