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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxCwpejKpG
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOHqEzjivH
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteB8Fs1sdN
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B0JfFqT7q
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6FjmtQXoT
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAflnbquF6A
"What are you doing!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi9J1WSybt
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwHbJoPhhE
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaW0ifBhex
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBXSCcvIHV
**BOOM**93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1k3T4Ez1j
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4tzIuZghK
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP7GN72YaC
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6chVIYEpR
"Ngh, damn it!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T4tfhUo24
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTObH6IVHS
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkODb0cnDJ8
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfODeDPrHg
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDDKoyRdpn
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwECQu6vLGb
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FCvZRJD6j
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzNTL2ftDZ
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfht6Wr0Na
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuSrT5aFXq
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gVeMunjgV
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeFsCnXO37
"--Damn it! Rover!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZle7Tb5oAv
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlocI5BMGU9
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhew0bAEvk
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz73TYAzQTT
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIQA96GLP3
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiwEUaJsMN
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41AoNYJh7n
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAPHaKnuRu
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02VziUY97O
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK08h5aLn0y
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6UrRQdtiv
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfPo63VV8E
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPlJEYp6Q1
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcfhvgh5SW
"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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQtYMDYFtJ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCYRg6ZkD5
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6I6Gfg3pr
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDZyXijlFp
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6JcSGNYBh
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimNGpOx1UD
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2AOYIylm7
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gh7qvTmMk
"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?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACqp5dFept
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfDTF97MPE
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNBVZnOse2
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBbrXSGgpi
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3jmr3WTX6
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR55stICVN
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRLK878SRa
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNAxLZ8tsU
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rg7NcGEOQ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qGzw7mtty
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh0IMrOGaU
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspfRY3veYC
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9tPa5Om8c
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQOQY1DlLn
"Hey, Kenny!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLTyGSt0bA
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZTsS2LldC
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXZKXeNDdv
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzYvv2Y6cq
"I-Is she okay?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgwYtzH6YV
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUes1y606RN
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp1vVQnSbe
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8wiQlkQXD
"I don't know what that is!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG9mdPpyy1
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75pwjHmXSI
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JBxSJE069
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxHntfTMCr
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWFYN8kbju
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ241UXnuh1
Though, that did raise the question–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtEdNc0Xc0
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdPmvEZ1RI
"Do you know where you're going!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1yt40zpm9
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatGQNI2wca
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VxyKuq8GO
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU4joI9Bv2
"Ah– where is Dennis?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxu1mIv0UP
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRazBzRtjf7
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSY2PJxfEG
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzpAi3mZ0v
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–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3dTtWD0ed
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaG4HPIItP
"Shit."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrua14XpiB6
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOWBQz2zD5
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJljhkXv3G
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDW2ObmQTX
"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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHWYKCxjk4
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBqugB5WT2
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSwO0FSQQI
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nGbaCDbGv
"...Alright."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASLbcMzxrk
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi1nRgZwsD
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WUz1Op8RE
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvSFdRuiiy
"Alright, I'll take yer question."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LnmyO9bh2
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZuXrhgSZ6
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFesKEq6nPB
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeJs3HyHHO
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMEGowGlEs
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNXg1mkz6o
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAkW1myhG8
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1y5iYx3eW
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFvzB7aDh9
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgk8b5QBuw
The man stopped speaking.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllvgFcl0iJ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMuGpL8Beb
"Alright, carry on, then."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLADVuKdiP
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmt6XKAzBV
"...Eh?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHNDDtiZ9D
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZClgegK89Q
I shared in his confusion.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLu5B2J2E1
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE2a0QbVpU
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDs9qVNT9z
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Yd6OLtA6B
"I-If ya say so!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqoTJspqNr
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXkwvRYikI
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–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmWu7zm28F
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0tx1roLId
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT8Mhxot6E
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B9SGH5GyM
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FG7DYY8f7
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FuiAc3mYM
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9isxJP8el
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi1Bt5quz1
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin4FxaTzMg
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zaVA6kzHa
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQxti9fQRB
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8w3QSGhBN
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthUoLFKOon
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9S19OkJzI
"Damn it, kid!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EOWBaOaxS
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL1I4dbTI6
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.
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkutoU2yJI
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ewDpRZ5ss
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdvvdpQ5ra
**SMASH**93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNtsZlrPzv
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI5fw9uslS
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BFmTQVCvO
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDvkZjfOsV
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGUmSrHg5P
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxxFA4k5Ku
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJRcgLC4ow
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvByTzR6X8
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBlIrgoXH4
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2aqYsNTyv
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyefKWTHDSt
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef6qlcfN1q
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMaR16yIaY
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdevjfjInrg
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsJHH8ENfA
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yRByZnfTy
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a7k1VAhnO
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAmFwTk4eO
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IHpUVnI5u
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39tgqFxOsY
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwbUbnvySV
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33LbGxMt9c
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEffEwTYLsf
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzf2l6PM7n
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCM9T3UmRs
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeLIDILn6b
"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."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiVEFAVPQp
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOTuJLAqCK
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBSVBAY4R9
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwdqSzEWKV
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2psovZu9f
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwipM7ySY9u
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LW1rUfeUJ
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj2dMQWsUi
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY121TOSQr
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWZtsSVv9t
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiUNVRIjgG
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimS2Ee0eN8
"Like I'll let ya do that!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa41AZOqHQz
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgLYJuX5vd
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7Cylpt6yB
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVfRCOwZD3
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tZp7bj6t6
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnbxoAjcDN
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm89A92vYZO
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW68BHVFEmp
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBBvbUV6bB
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6lu3cUjdU
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS2v4zkQPP
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTuWsmjM3V
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLDsNccPcY
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7b2zRAIeq
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrIaIiTCqj
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvfbV03i0F
"--Hrk!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLylh4GWR8
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodGKpFOH54
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV96YUjo2D
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDd7dLhwAZ
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3tBm1vqIX
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem85ivRZni
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV7GqWB9i5
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cm4Knxvzv
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaWjCIdWFd
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PsDuaMizS
"Whatever!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPQjic2loE
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkMb02VbNU
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbI7KJ6I0C
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS5nRhtyDi
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbhe1EHZbK
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XVw2BhxpD
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsbdrpCp6P
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSj3q6dV73
Dread, worry, guilt–93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9Dl846DLA
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEvr3olMt7
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdkIentsTc
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ugw6V90PY
"...R-Right!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6d9AYah8O
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnm2rW6CPk
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwDC5pHJcI
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcCGY1Yo7E
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv6xCw3jrV
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyJ3g5kQD5
**SLAM**93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmxlytD76f
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVcS7qcUD7
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtccttrQMP
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxFIsxI8b0
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsecDlY0Uu
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF3CmS0iWM
"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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ907oUHwoNH
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fkRiVHTFg
"--Ugh!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWve4IgqjF
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVC2IzstHf
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOikMpazpUO
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS5b6kXVCQ
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj28P1bea2
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NB6XYFnyH
**SMASH**93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGdmsYBhNn
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN1WbahlH8
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte7OvJpARA
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWxrqYByEi
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAnIWeUFa1
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y5Ar0g50C
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP6PFcbOv1
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfGe6HzLg5
"Ah! Sorry!"93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmvkXfIp1d
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5h0pg4BwQ
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9xHNFxB4O
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLh5K4Xu1w
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWiZKbsfBA
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoFsL1Ebe8
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57oeglLZqX
"N-No, that's not it."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZgDgrHPgN
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoGzKKtpYt
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.93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p7e3Edh0H
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5iUA7DPC3
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYMlgUL0id
93Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEhYcOO1oc
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
