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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HTqEMfDK7
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhMBDaPBVr
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM4S37FYjQ
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXkVoLAv7q
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKqFKI7a8X
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What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw2Xanulba
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaO0a1VTvf
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68paRrOKLL
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3sW3AGZbx
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd5BkwpMA9
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iWGckfR8M
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I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTILRSBYwp
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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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT4WyjWIcK
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECNGMH4xO4
**BOOM**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZGNb1GWfT
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEnJ5RogWy
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"Ack!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZBSqfzvsy
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX8eWv8UHl
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The room was a catastrophe.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qt5OEUQ5b
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESVU9E30JS
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWMWUT9oBd
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ36CB27Bn
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"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wZP1WeAqK
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNbnWbpMD8
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVCgXctdG7
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCOy17nGro
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**STRIKE**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJiINxtpED
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–only to be immediately interrupted.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr8GbmQkAR
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmTnHvwiZ9
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"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aeN4wurgG
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Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4vRKB9ZWR
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLcnH38Vtx
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk3QFVE8rz
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDc2yzkrf0
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"C'mon!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQmwt9UyxC
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"--Ah!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYqwgmPuSB
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb3pyxSLCg
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I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DVVyW2uHI
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–
–
–
What a moron.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJEuLtcuqX
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q48mFWTLH
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwUzF3Yqnd
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A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYX5Ihamw4
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5475Fl3mfO
**THUD**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEpyQn1YUv
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"Ngh!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPaeNZvA0i
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That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIDynU5fPs
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaUfT7YUwD
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENiO6Ul3A7
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCoKrh3cQG
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA4Vdjm3MV
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfNMbvx5Kv
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHfHE6Iy0K
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"--I should've known!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4xWULjTi8
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl2g1QhJ36
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"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGwdKHc0GG
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bsi2Xw8rE
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlumzXSdpJ
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"DAVE!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKaIDhtgNR
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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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLtTNqc3dH
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1mR1Il3ZU
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84tNrxb1BT
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1rVOXHreW
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.
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIYHbe6Fxy
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41XAcGcY2j
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOXlDcP2ba
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cXLpbBlqk
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVHtnVuAgH
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc3MPYkejj
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37fUnUcPOm
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBBdJrmCk2
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"...Those are our first casualties–"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNe7BmKPnA
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**BOOM**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f4TdgLPpv
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mCGuWT98c
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli5jY1pFYZ
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKBsO9d3AR
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQj70diToe
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMjczn4aO5
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"I'm here now."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IRwOg3ckN
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QYH1qUOj2
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlliPnY9yD
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DVxmSZlbm
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And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM0zpuLCBW
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmNLUYlrON
–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TpChHTxtr
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoykJQUAdE
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy87VeTKgFh
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9O1fQRZF5
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He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtjYpyk3Bg
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97CXVSLiUK
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8wddo10Xa
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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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzCgxS5B6d
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"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX88I20kwDe
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdBEhlGo9O
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjGdLuG1aC
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneLPZNT4M2
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZVSsV4XKy
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One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdyvjV7Cyl
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But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRIAifMKPq
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**BOOM**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22a6spL8j5
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH19U1HAkh
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"Pars!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc2s5zmZgN
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"Huh?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4RWv7OL2U
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJleiw8csqE
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29D1g1W0hF
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84LRVtH9go
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtwctxjHpw
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgCXgAQub5
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuZ6kSMbWx
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2WTzZKlje
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Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVxDPrTm3w
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapsfLNyLbf
**CLANG**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn13y1k0xoc
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7pNH12ZWk
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhAnbL0AwI
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wSncGifZM
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNOCNpS5D4
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG6SQqvAq3
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtrVBcqRV2
**SLAM**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpjd22GPrW
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhubE4vVgMz
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Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLbD6J2hPu
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmDpPykw50
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOybyGOrdX
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtkN9huCPE
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F5OeWqY9X
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"Ngh! Shit–!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1IxwWxS4G
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DHao3BO0B
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wM5hvTrGN
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But then–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOA94jf4GJ4
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HaSMKRADS
**BOOM**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsF5B4gqoL
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qmmsMvWjD
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0FFg3Vl8o
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonOMMoFKg9
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xf9FtzW36
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ0mLKr56r
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZv60caeJV
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPduTQ4NgU
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84hteE7zW9
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6setEjxHz
"Gah–! You scared me!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCxIs6kFmX
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxLJKE2Ee6
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoh6YXubUh
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"They're hiding," Dave muttered.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvflMW9k0LV
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"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiBiwtrCBf
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"No, this is terrible."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGQoTge0Fl
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Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB32KqO1sf
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhbEyAqE2y
"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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqoehKh94t
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3tPPbD4IH
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZtALQ6BiD
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmu9gcy29G
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwBo8YQQBY
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qsXDyMpiL
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQXQQFj4jJ
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pJpiAo8jA
"No. No suggestions from you, please."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jbZHB0e3i
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RRYJC2RDK
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyDVdh8qSs
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHhlNHuGov
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4Bwm3gZ4v
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYYk4dMhRe
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRNxrvLHR1
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhla97T3uP
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4LZVFIOBW
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdEqiokeFd
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKq4pI8lHT
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Still, no response.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwU7peT6GY
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpJ13TYDGF
"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–"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXl1BAhiJD
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCuQP4re5d
"Because you're entirely incompetent."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6XtZZf89D
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxrLU5mZj8
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6IpoFG2sA
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh7kY0hF0q
"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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4cf63XbI5
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy6UCeypsk
"..."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRetbggCPAT
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xkRKXcQUB
"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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqVkZzqLAa
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOtX8CS7Wk
"..."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTpoBvihzC
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwqfcFE8se
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfda7MBBss3
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubTIToNcax
"What?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ09nFzBG5
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWypHnW0W2
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ax797BYXC
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2GwXafF8l
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRuhUnvkcV
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV2nWgEjMj
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKJXEJxOMU
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"...I see."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEpJPO3mQo
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1wtYsam4E
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGbwEH2rSh
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAG6uHHwYG
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAuIJMSslU
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDp3YexhtC
"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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnupjZUZUVx
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4G6kksmaa
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaboMwTl0c
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGJ9yVYnPo
"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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBNTkiihF2
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2UsXsPha9
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtszWCnk0HX
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKK4JSNVCQ
"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–"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvBDn5nr64
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYVAFER8Fc
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng7KLn9xeB
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjBUUKwKKx
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz1HINA4xj
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHIJJWpglq
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:122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPGTfWZjR9
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XeXRFj143
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBVJOwDIbC
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnHZEIROap
"Alright!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ330ttG20Px
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlep7oM6jt
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwsxQvEHhI
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDAihcJtCh
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqSe3bRiUS
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmPKAUSpaj
–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G3c8J4KcM
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJox4mRPTpF
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtu0d1zQiH
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTocTrvBih
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2FaqIXAYI
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNBPlP9jhY
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWkt9zOEGW
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy5dcscMTh
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIunCX1GtRu
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpHppKfr8O
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuDXTMbwm2
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUNm81UW6M
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9yGsFGJ8z
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xo51QnBs4
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN6UuDzRas
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX9gFLyINs
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn9MBFHKlx
"--No!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvlgxLcvyZ
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfb7lKYGCi
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvVkCGtbAw
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQAalmtMNz
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTawgaqbkt7
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"Hyua!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMNGHcTYTc
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cLPz5uFql
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSd2n7QP9Y
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However, he did have another sharp object.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUIgJZrK4P
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZsUVDb4CU
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCyMPzOnoK
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zmiql7cWn
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxWLRTb5dB
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7deANLeUP0
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI0Y9lCixA
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgE8MG202D
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2ktuePhW5
And what came was–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO4Mk1EEjL
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GetnGyNCz
**BOOM**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4BtiDBEEV
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE68RMdqLLV
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZhsOuymr9
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXHQZTEyvE
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT95IALnUb9
"--oop!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gkEEp5tom
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f650OsBul
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rwkfIsxOX
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ3deJvavs
"You... you're a sick jokester."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAluQHr10G
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0rPSYeZBZ
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR7cSAaMjk
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L9wvVHokc
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRn1aC4rPX
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b93bQ60X6
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ81sUXh3Pe
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGZlCydLBm
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowuAa9La6R
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQxCj6hqdE
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYuyHYO0Yi
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAbY9EymCG
"What the hell... what the hell!?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG4WzHyskL
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvvyf2jZ6z
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqm87tKeCt
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jtezTDTvU
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2KzDwaUEM
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUPLWsYkEU
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62j4gSO4iH
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvz5vh4Ps1
"...Heh."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5b7LQKxxW
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWbYZBVsh1
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysdW89PEGc
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJSu7KBZTF
–
–
–
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHDVBQ5nU0
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA6mOn7Har
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvWgUn3H7n
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwmB7EnUdm
**THUD**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlNg611Ob6
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY6rrwFU2F
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLyuCZUHxS
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF6WHFlIbF
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd4WX0WUTC
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"Though I have to wonder–"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K8WCpXPK0
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREhhOL4PmA
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBvYVOwt0b
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4bMsZsVA4
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuC3QiZy4V
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwx9HWlKPQ
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOeDFIdaPk
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNU3byVM3v
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87Ay6tm4kR
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbdmuA2x14
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k7tD4m0QU
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.
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZb9fmGP4Y
"Irritating...!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbShkDD5w1q
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwZH3UsqXs
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqSEWbe9OM
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Dave didn't like to use spears.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxDGs9Kl2k
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"...Haaaaa."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41sZUn144B
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWFA4AiIWC
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGmCj4UljR
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGavaLyl3Od
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckaMJu4QPT
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ubPH1JtY0
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That's what he always told himself, at least.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjcXhQOTu6
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**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**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPi14U37XB
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLbTNP69oK
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v1nVz4bKN
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85d6k8VZkS
**CLASH**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzdjMADbQY
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKPraS7Exc
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**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGo3q0y7tg
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXax23SHCOF
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?122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGQpG8BJ66
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ695L3OgU5c
**CLASH**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69r5JD3Aig
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxeapA4DuW
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fr6rxxLu1
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzcGH50dAS
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8nhBy15Ev
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbfNcfT2u9
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtAc3jLsEK
Confusion–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Kq6uyIpnP
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXZoVH92Dt
**CLANG**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlF8wiOcKD
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2dhdHA5ME
Delusion–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3QCD7CMxV
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW4CPW8Knz
**CRASH**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2UO9GLAbW
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeemCkk8ja0
All lead to one conclusion:122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm2Td0Nftv
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3I5j70BeW
**SMASH**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcjZSz0Lru
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM5vsYFCXE
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GAX2WDzFl
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"...No, of course it isn't."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKXa6986us
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V48hq5w7O
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXPXeCgRym
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Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIknHPfagI
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmOW8HDmvN
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tyNCGNT1H
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn61ESBsPMP
**THUD**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkPzfLZTbP
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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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHnlO6TFi0
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBgAUzLbi6
"Pars!?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOBdmjWyTb
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxMzUO2yKi
"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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKFFJFKwyg
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGuPB7X2jx
"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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMqGQMwZDb
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"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0xvzUd1hA
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQDc29PiaO
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FP6TIofcr
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqGXwx6xQA
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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16dbrsmL32
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF32r1XGoBP
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyvAUpeCdU
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ad3fFY8AX
"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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKuOTBlpxo
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUUauHhuKo
"What do you propose?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P1fdzqzj2
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8R3nZfAw8
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD7HLc1kz7
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDSyCbG6La
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQL9wiKqkE
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WoGCKrcO8
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmrzuROhGE
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00OOD53PML
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHhaHKCQPG
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cf8qTl3T4
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh90OFmUad
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"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0ujilY8sG
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XQsVwUXdW
"--Huh?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCRSbnsILj
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXBNL8PsT9
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ed7ryKVLd
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHKiZLuVV1
"...Always backhanded, huh."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZZnZ22JTo
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRitsAt1tG
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 laugh122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kvpli55yn
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstIzI6etJl
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDXEZbYLus
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"We likely don't have one."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8DboImGEf
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRkyukFEjw
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mjmd1muSE
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4NVsBUN0T
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2Q8P2nZsg
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBbwaO4UHM
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCdgP3DaWt
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"Well, if you insist."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouNnJPVtqt
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–
–
–
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.
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkxTf9X5ZX
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCONiOW27D
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx36oRzJci
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2F0oQZ8tg
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i6FnR2gMp
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejpoRlhfBG
**THUD**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN1altJuBg
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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?122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ033ierLG13
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrccRXUMtB
"--!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvNv26QTuL
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7T8mzc4E9
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kaULpU8N3
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZmgkt5x6u
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXglWwiCZh
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ609ycGZRMN
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–122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuveFoaPI3A
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekWFkf698z
**SPLICE**122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehOU5pG1RX
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhuRI7r2ya
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocLBBFLXAG
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViAR4DCb82
"I missed one."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVapRd70ly
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8H6jFNAEc
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoO04FPaZ5
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzJXLMO3Fx
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoOqnxkGte
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"Hey!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gdesKbEPa
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZNLtbSMjm
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHOiuJoUp1
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuTk7EvelY
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoqkC6Gp5A
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlIgaDE5Ve
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjReQuh2Lwx
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6lN0M4ZgV
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj0C07YRmD
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EX9kRIuVk
"I never said that."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8ZgMGCDNN
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e0xFwKisb
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8f3mrrGAB
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP8cU4rtXU
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlBdUjbkyF
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxIQq2Cujr
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETO7xWSidL
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKpY8GDPwn
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBVSwe8mym
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0ZDkUUplL
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiRP1CoL9T
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGjEqvbBO2
"Haaaa. Damn you."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz5Rb5XZlM
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX569Rhc9O0
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDvDbQxCJk
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfilucekhlk
"They are dead, right?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GXNjRlsHS
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcYBIfNYVh
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlg7DNZ4nF
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYIYZFjpDQ
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO1rWb7i03
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLgmi2PNfI
"I–"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2oFeI9a0G
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeNXRHQMDz
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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWOMjBZK0K
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"Huh?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59nWcp5YfS
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8nc974D5x
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyUe9DggGV
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"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBq12uW2pO
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"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P4JMxlVwP
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89hK1kRnq9
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo29ni6RBpC
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SZNEX3Mf8
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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.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT40xO7c4W
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUlDNlu733
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"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pDYjFb7Il
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"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLLTs3Ldzn
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Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJNwjks87N
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT862PtO4BG
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwvuAsCINd
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"You raise a good point."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19ny0gOyk5
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc6kNWRM12
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gQaDhyU4b
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4mIBfuZXB
122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBzN9btAiq
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalDgKzvlXP
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"Ha, abandon?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBCpFtozxU
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuIGsqC8rj
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"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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ybAx6Dse1
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"If you were, it was backfiring."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS8eFUrHNC
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"Harhar. Very funny."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeIDevKBTs
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDeyKRZlMK
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"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."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjfzLSj08W
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"Aren't you conceited."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6aSpdMPAl
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"You think it's arrogance?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFURHV6gdS
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Pars began to stroke his chin.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO3vGoL5K5
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQY3RbQNS4
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBYkO6WlD3
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"...Yeah, you're right."122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BCSaowYp7
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.122Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshjmN3lNiZ
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"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
