Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7wR5JK24F
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xDX5hcEae
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi2NY8endb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fuIYlFTlr
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdgjbC84yS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkV9QShzEx
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYQd41rvow
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S2LXtEf5U
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3Oqqk0Vef
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw75ayIYB90
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gh8FbSYQu
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZPICB7FN1
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxdSJimzJA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J9Grm1VdX
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEt9czMUCQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQRvPsFg2h
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulCDLFSJ4O
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAlbFK3R5f
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRdxlVbdEt
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9AOcOSV9K
**BOOM**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGKhqWL68l
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SiRNvoXER
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDaZSCHV8w
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFm6VWb17O
"Ack!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCFJ66DSo1
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdJEN0Mdzg
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWhCmwsasa
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cPTd3RSnb
The room was a catastrophe.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp4dz2KaM5
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBUhNfkOeD
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFJPbInQvO
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzercKE7vd
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIanDwWHQL
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBN9pGmF5y
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcNd72N803
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztyAUL9VaX
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtVdSDEdHC
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqhsl1lL5e
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wL8xl6Xov
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweOYGA7Uzr
**STRIKE**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq4upGxPtq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCUJMSjBiq
–only to be immediately interrupted.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxFSkLQj7e
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlSQ9sPQK3
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zxH7gIA0G
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sC9z5OwAA
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa29Lo1Sl3J
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1o3sm8rfL
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZTbOLbSMX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9LfkToNnk
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpKj1rgHEU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyJOT9Itld
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRcL9Ic38u
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4dtuyPQDn
"C'mon!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDna4ojn5v
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRCjmXsSm7
"--Ah!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtmnhMdBGS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl4cPFrzd7
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxkHE3YyfB
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmH5jidAtP
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWg50yorRu
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikmyKQCXor
–
–
–
What a moron.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ15d5Nujf
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJXNqmtyDD
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCnVeq46wT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkT3sbwdEC
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHiaQHTsIA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0nnoZQVRm
**THUD**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsCKegJR39
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFEwlr3OTf
"Ngh!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lv5BJKkq7
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY76h4R1sn
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY36z1o3cL
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIixWQ2MrZ
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4j2zqGku5
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdhOxR2Vsw
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeg5Nj9SrN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbiGcwI5fQ
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNyyNOBlt5
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua6MMcyoOp
"--I should've known!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI52C6KK1X
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtRPxCHzjL
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2G2zgxj3I
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH97oNqPgx
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK0hzAemt0
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9ZAQTK2Fl
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQbUy8KPAm
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3AdAPz1Tc
"DAVE!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEoVgOH5ke
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOqiKZPIM5
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf53j7yJhEr
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHj7Z7exek
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z5VhayE84
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ayRVY8MBT
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5ex6Z9VNT
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IdOAQpaYm
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ux2eNgQxy
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubfge7KaDS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX8J8wCUFY
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuExri471J
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy6aNEg0yQ
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvVS5jwala
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsit1KRCsK
"...Those are our first casualties–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvBA2RNXAH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvASEqPMUl
**BOOM**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxoxJWRZDq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGI6WsQM52
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxOcyHvFfA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkEzb4Yyyy
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDL5TVUv7D
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVes9HziHc
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DzszKNem4
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSRZmWIpLu
"I'm here now."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5J4ZTQVl9
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN90TRndwMS
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS91sfNiqwG
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5b5p1eEcj
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcbljKsBSz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrv1lCqBMZ
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJulPysG8Aq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sIi86DigH
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh08Gzy2AN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKbCiPpFyk
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDCJFhjEFU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIn6KUE25D
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ313WnnRXku
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsLlFHCxJH
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtPs6QLpdk
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HFAWQDxBJ
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnhqZlXEYw
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mb4mYySXx
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF0saggyae
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsFfuPrRAQ
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRPj8iFUiq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgHvqKCSD6
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLDKy5UrMO
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFxQL6CfzV
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk2CWd5AxU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp1vmuD0ds
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SI6UxLFC1
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQYm5QwybM
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01oQdPmLwB
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakwKy4i9Zv
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDE4u6DCc7
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdO63LHtYh
**BOOM**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUhnekpRIc
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtzmbKUbg7
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3WbFnl3GL
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMMCJbEzQS
"Pars!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMMCu8QoiM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTJ8PlTc1w
"Huh?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq05AOggMIn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcUhryMYcb
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkog0f0Pgv2
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujDh08GaWu
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ1hRHvhVx
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTGHbm3wOM
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uDedL40Nj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz5rjy92rj
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuiLriXGUN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHbvLr2pG1
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0GwvOggli
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV2XmeSaJ3
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o7CvvTzET
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJlkEjNb6g
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse3fgbqgzY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtpGDNlYJg
**CLANG**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYWy6KKNpM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUqu6m3ALl
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb59M3DnOe
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59RFYZ9D3G
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLoF76wYCE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXdbnMvkRo
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRoPGxy06p
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUHlsFtLkC
**SLAM**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfleIOAjy0k
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPkf8GjZKY
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLTnGAvHUX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAZ58lfTRK
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9NXkRK0PM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8WSwiNKXc
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXtcv9ngrl
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cSIZRDLlC
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGRDylw31N
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2k4sk4tBY
"Ngh! Shit–!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMDhPb7iSZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1mjbprafS
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fVCsgH8Za
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunqm1mJhn0
But then–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwg8A9QNQK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3bdultu56
**BOOM**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdBawUYnYz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wolsq3iQ4
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco0lHGmMhh
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B0l9ZQbDk
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5ZA9iWJJi
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc2VTudmsS
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG5xb7H6Pr
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1138wcTImz
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpgHYcvCiX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqOjH5H9e7
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEx9fTGu9o
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlU1GV0ZGL
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv19p68LwQD
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSN92Jdl4u
"Gah–! You scared me!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL3udqrHaM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasHpnj1WAN
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vkx5hqjN2
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqjAwmBNnC
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mGY83cApY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHwo9upEjY
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYv7k5etGT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuZujHUaG6
"No, this is terrible."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44QwrP9ZRN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrsJJO2UP4
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVmz1Vh52b
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf61ZPfVAF
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua7WGVQL1A
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr8bmLwQ8C
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGnodgYTC5
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0INjaUSOK
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZQZLJLXBR
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAHzPOklzh
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYaMrqoIPm
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRsbaILvgx
"No. No suggestions from you, please."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB1ZA4lAsJ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVHhudrHJP
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6hQpkzGHO
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw4al2nU1J
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvuAgf2nba
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Zqp1T2HOF
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn3NalnQRn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bQTU9OYdD
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk5YBUo6Ye
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ1oqY8gAG
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i3XHJbd61
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFJ2VGS3re
Still, no response.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DsJjjqH5O
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8H7a7ial1
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznuv7MRvVY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6h3UwVQmM
"Because you're entirely incompetent."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajmRR3QuKI
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ebZnArxUp
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrFRnHv0yL
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWcakLhyP7
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K7xKlOq3e
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKZtJO5lIn
"..."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG7aLs5N53
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXhzrzqSRG
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q4RuV74mU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWCujYtQ3e
"..."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU9R0G0oKO
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCXiqRbZjf
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkzBmvw0Gp
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr65eaYj5fW
"What?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLDAb4buN4
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGrw0NEmdz
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h3gevT5ZW
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3T6WuAJq5
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MIbxignjw
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuriy4fUBZ
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpWGS7Dvdi
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NIiGFeCPJ
"...I see."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi3M2EuA4W
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZTbWJCtAm
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX202VCoPM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JreflNG0I
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaMhi0ggn2
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSr073GUv1
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBliLCXcoBh
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSXIZyrCDX
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwxp8qBWOK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYutVZTGwc
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XPrq9tqXg
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyT1KcqzI7
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO4RJUS9NC
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsof3IRL0wK
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FODwZ7AY0
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJUsIh6r6T
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqDOjfFyUU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMqJCH9s3Q
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtQ8DQRtbb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXRLxiEkJq
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWREP2gNaku
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITpxwUqdNr
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8N4qseux4
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf1qWQqEZS
"Alright!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerqXjVey59
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEormt22FP
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtOSc7oSSc
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP1YYeP2rq
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6ErT7Apob
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9woje92V9N
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofpQPwukdd
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AuZnqyP2W
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uQJDaaSvk
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k4JBioHkK
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38uMrc8k5y
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5o6sxFBpS
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PoPJqMvrC
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0VG8KZxzf
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ6txZAa5z
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m6BbyekRq
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89BFr870P1
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTXAwVAh1Y
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E6Qnvjk7A
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHeJa9hytD
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpg13lpCd0
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ0LpVNZnd
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqH3PXJTGY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OCNxbLavM
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKREQgjS0ZP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaxZ276f9y
"--No!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr7wzD27cM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPKp1UGrRS
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXpZWHIcsK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoUhtHNtXz
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXxeqGTGrj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOaldyFnVt
"Hyua!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnYgHQFTg5
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc8bQU6Bml
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC4zyyDvoV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7dyU32EZX
However, he did have another sharp object.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9LxnRMYbK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wsy1uZ2pk
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlw4rHESfA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r2F7jznm6
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFrxtGvT6p
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq8NA6ZMIZ
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sChspkj2y
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvycfVXFksy
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXjWvF5bmg
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4WlC7R3nE
And what came was–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2lflzS0ec
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfFFe4sfyS
**BOOM**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDMh1lqqgk
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLADbIgtHP
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXP8W4z4lB
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLofj89DHx
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuvb8yNA3P
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ckVlfIm0o
"--oop!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95CKkui1OF
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2fCUxNE0q
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRbuGz4prf
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuPJ3M5tVW
"You... you're a sick jokester."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKFvTGI64a
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu6nuqqFE6
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdPzQBlbJs
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fmtrHHbGz
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77HHVlMM44
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMBaWje9Nz
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7DECiJuLW
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz612lkSCJ
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqm6vGncc5
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP7EDm5M3S
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWxmdGva7N
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtrkMvbXgC
"What the hell... what the hell!?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzOhFruBnn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJoi7UxqhT
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcRstB8YdD
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhug5A6DKV
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQfxqjQcj5
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1IFFQT4J0
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vRK5Ass3f
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgk6eYBfnc
"...Heh."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3pOJXGsUK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6AMIR6kWy
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbClGBQklR7
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHtvsTC4mE
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGMn3yGZBb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fvEVnXK95
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwGIEewMFH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAx975Z8v9
**THUD**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmYSCV7MRr
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQpxDy6v66
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd8eUp7n4G
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzENB4PaCFa
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwWTmhE9kZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7elma591cF
"Though I have to wonder–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM06EX1jjv
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t3gxK5vYP
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT7m3P4uTt
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAVyfolMm9
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytTCG7U6tX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDWz9yR7hR
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uovr13ymu
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyQGCd6T9B
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPAXNnvFky
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmUg3m25kL
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs3fYegSso
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGeHFLsxkq
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rcjfbS3YB
"Irritating...!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBfEmI0fC0
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsvCRZNvqM
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkbF9iCqcj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWPcfBSuGB
Dave didn't like to use spears.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYhM1dL9jc
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylxc8acmKZ
"...Haaaaa."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T6QAn0wfA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3t00zuGMS
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT6YgnEhmS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImZ4t2CIjl
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqHTnyF8Z0
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDulOWNtOkT
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVygTeEUoz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWAW8EKuWU
That's what he always told himself, at least.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DyEtsbSpz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vm2pvNCe3
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauxGkf4KKr
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDnHUEWEMv
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX51ABCYg8l
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVwToswGVZ
**CLASH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq3beiFifr
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqspcRv5An
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiEx5ZgHv8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGOEFPmFaP
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIhHDufAZo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3nuKAi5r1
**CLASH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5LWkNdYRf
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9vccnZ6ga
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5oCy7CnUI
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg77cQIPqla
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9aqzFN75f
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt0ynYmSur
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFtT5nm07C
Confusion–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYPQpWJTJK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG9139y6Qq
**CLANG**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0wGDXoVQF
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCsLX0LOiD
Delusion–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuZUbeA6ZC
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZUtpHSlWc
**CRASH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzMfa0KoZX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oha8ZcdzD
All lead to one conclusion:138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrohGvYCQDn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zfiTCSpb2
**SMASH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK0Xd5BhMp
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEze5yYqk3J
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfByExdvWvt
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwDv5iRwWO
"...No, of course it isn't."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i9l0TtQxX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJDxiTvyl6
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKWigGurrj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACgmWR7yHY
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquzaDrqRIw
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAC9tpRwhr
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEUKcPqn14
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSDTrNUDqF
**THUD**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg197i4KMgx
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2VTQxwG35
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIcChtz8Yu
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUURAQu3Sv
"Pars!?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tFWHUN8SK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphHBXWh380
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjHdUEJL44
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXKOWDwjql
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oGVJ26DnM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHdmHYeE8E
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H764sMVP2
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nAw08h7D2
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGH4H80tql
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjVeHSEpmt
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbmp2m90jB
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZvoNtxGTc
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMDAtIofIY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhCRBAIrfK
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxwn1GpzRv
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gessJ4fzM
"What do you propose?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYtu36nMbZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSI4pYGx0K
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPPZgqjpQX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyWCKgeAli
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5kNP3Kozz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hZ88Nnd43
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDF7VNdkeH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwkvJHsZkm
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNvU2GsjNJ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr08lOwcov
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOOT8SHsQG
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBfxEMBuKs
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsxNxxHJt8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v5sqTqQv2
"--Huh?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGZplJKAUE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y6piC8nuw
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin32JLlFFh
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb6R4HwiSS
"...Always backhanded, huh."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3gMybKY9e
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQFXZ67y8Y
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVmgD1VdgT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJhKaILmaP
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hcuVeVqJc
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS5KlhrwWH
"We likely don't have one."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlDStsFJ1n
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZzXHzvOMI
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ108vVgoA9t
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRWi7BK4Ef
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAdzJPDlOQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBEHnSdffl
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWDiL8iTgQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO2TWrF6nT
"Well, if you insist."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw5DiB0EUh
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlF6h8r2Jq
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvM0oOrTfd
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX7ZX7AEeX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdqoxGuGdO
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyjjCD1ZqG
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9rl02oZ2Y
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D1mAa2Pnj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ukq6iqc09
**THUD**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0hO2tBdop
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYVykIwmR5
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspSrtIBkg3
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoS2GcQ8mM
"--!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboi1KqzuYu
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpq2c3iWNs
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa6RhRFCCz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HoNH1c1Z8
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz20HvFrFZs
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z9Fa31XQ8
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyLHRr4iuz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT1CCoDphK
**SPLICE**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kuequHL9L
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBKt9riLrK
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDk0aCZRot
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAgde2unbc
"I missed one."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbpFYLlZKT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYpMZO3DRi
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr9ip5UePP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmK4b84ZuJ
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA3O8P3qTV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW27z3yiXW
"Hey!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1tK1Y8JgS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGyYmz7Kg3
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSF96GpYlx
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuaswxScxD
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhHti0yQEv
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsvymtVrJ8
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvvzR4yQTA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaELJ02Ss9N
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYNG5gaibH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqTvP6cxge
"I never said that."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WKOPM8Wro
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC0pfxRfYf
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoBIejnrkL
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe5rkfN6En
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtxrbyuYNq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgDcAPHiqV
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZvCQfrLBo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uU2qtrELx
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lmVQGZowE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5B11sN6k3
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo2igKonlJ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0DchiTKU5
"Haaaa. Damn you."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9rnK2Xz6X
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7iFeELBAw
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIYyz52cSq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj5yjZbBpX
"They are dead, right?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBEiKOS5QK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTVzvqbyXi
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTblk2Pmfv
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jj0g0OKw3
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmgoAxqWiz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0XPUqHPbd
"I–"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrSjzS0wOt
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEKlgB7R3h
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7fJZOqBWj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9tZBIoLhz
"Huh?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMiB8JmxSU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM9dbqPeHT
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwPQbRJVsb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFFyWzVZDm
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTEdB1ZnWz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayJccA8q2s
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8T11kyGnc
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObr503pKKC
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaru8nsueyD
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcr5m5ODmD
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsIAfn1Ldl
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpPoPUjQM9
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l11y4H5WU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ3S8Be6fL
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt9ww51TW6
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkZmptPWcR
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPMnwTI6KE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIOXnZpkyI
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY6m85Izji
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznhox2gYdc
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao45fUDkiZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS12kNN1Hlq
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym3pCzswqP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG75mOxc7Mm
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Eok26IwjH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1yUphlMuy
"You raise a good point."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOVYBCjcrK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5M5gpK9HN
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ra6NnYtfy
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUqt0Kzun9
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnPDKWviGP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNo1QYf7RW
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARXkrDoOn1
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwBFiiC5sF
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUPeFomRoc
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4LZOz7HNy
"Ha, abandon?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S5wP07Isq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO5xDf3BYm
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp9IQRHN4I
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlcoPPJCax
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKV0F58SYu
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTGnnE9R2B
"If you were, it was backfiring."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvUisygGrs
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPe59vnvGj
"Harhar. Very funny."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnHB55qGMd
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRqGadtq59
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0uPDWc4cs
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUtLM6CbN0
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC7EO6VgdA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhccKWQN6sC
"Aren't you conceited."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCmIjWfDYo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvySJa1Wc1
"You think it's arrogance?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6lwa4LlBZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CgIqGW5Cm
Pars began to stroke his chin.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDC6zKbVeS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC0eVmIb9b
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OJkKS6aF8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkDEdn0zfy
"But what you want isn't just greatness."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwojHaF0mK
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOUTzOCBga
"...Yeah, you're right."138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLA7XahfoT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnZRRnJ72X
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEt2blKt77
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMziwY3G9k
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
