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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELuigVqkpi
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUb2CZrPcd
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv3v9b21F0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkpH8HeM3C
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG3ubzQYou
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFjESpzk8y
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEY56Lnns9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFkJz36k7e
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWfXy9E6VF
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQqq1tqhli
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFq97ZkaOp
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR5mrGrF6X
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjYaLb15Mf
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgPE1UVjOA
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X7Hl6Qklh
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGsjkq2QaX
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SLE2DqDAn
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68qtDfh4vF
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZQ4s8aVCm
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcaFzD76Zw
**BOOM**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVT7wP6n0y
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrj6GMa3Xw
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmCktyZGlr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNBjVPKY5Z
"Ack!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bQHsjuNAg
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffe2P2v8Be
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKOOIROjS2
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OEz9hrweV
The room was a catastrophe.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYQ60br5V6
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzlgVC1oLv
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJR8uYWD78
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7EbjesE9e
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5sqTf2QPI
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM0PtmbLho
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnY9L9a1OS
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCbNbDoGH8
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANE4SXdeyw
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnVnJtHCvB
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjdrPHKGCZ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosXTdpxJUb
**STRIKE**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71MKFZcBfr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F8ryvBHLe
–only to be immediately interrupted.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNcc2mCT7D
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0eegAnJru
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfX5OxTEpL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9QkAupFIB
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbkx7Dqw1E
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6Fqcneuk9
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10GJcnsMz5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxjnfIIXzp
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYgE8LyJPP
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTQpaRqZmH
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdufrASarS
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlZF3adoQy
"C'mon!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtrpnq5CWG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9kiuXfaDc
"--Ah!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDffkFLepG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWQuatt8Rt
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodcLwccvcj
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPL8SPJKsF
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74RCayoOOs
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrws2qWw4Iy
–
–
–
What a moron.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmhGEyjYlL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVkz12oBzT
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOt93gdk8U
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBeTQ23DMX
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiKssYclyr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWYmZsXbAX
**THUD**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQqXtwIAqQ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pfHEzuAIs
"Ngh!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xmvkLB0bY
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB0Pp8H7tg
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUgy9Y73Og
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdf9MYVfRT
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT23Da48SP1
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePuDAARmeW
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYonOgLqtht
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDT0F5zAK6
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eyIgLev1u
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dRkh1RnxH
"--I should've known!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGjeEvRA6W
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOurOHLv8CF
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymMcfB1x4l
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjmEBaFK0A
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r4n3Lje65
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkFrcUJ2QW
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfJ5nzmyoB
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdzaVgjuNI
"DAVE!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuScOcbclh
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO55BY991v6
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXuOdfMTvG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGfT15LJGr
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0fsSIadZx
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHev9GsQxX
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.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNMDXX1c1E
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEqDa4NDzk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkabToyVQpC
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrMYsKR6jp
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO99JAyqUH
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUI7w9ldk2
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq5GUbKHXU
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVVUsD8o4s
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHZcz4NYdS
"...Those are our first casualties–"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwxEEypE8a
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHogHM5fVT
**BOOM**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAe7YRcWiF
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr5Ygu7R8p
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcks1tqvDp
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6puWAQmrGd
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQZb37B2zN
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs9OwQW24j
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgX0QBDGwL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm8tuNNy8z
"I'm here now."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILAGyTyyvV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2t0CV4pCN
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEr1M6z2w1
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWtYyIprKp
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfWCd7Psa2
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEJicsWZ7H
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrrsMx9ngm
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo92nDPsXY
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6jEFAgcKf
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOkMuCz2n0
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa7IFKWKst
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR4R3ZhdMI
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMaQnDAYyi
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVnYvp7Yx0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorRPckLG1g
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6m7zBwTWV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmko7bm1deQ
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhz3A3PRd0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEqU3szKJK
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5cykCwhnY
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ8S8wfcW9
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI8Jw4Bh27
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqZ7kl9H3k
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJqwmDVOXN
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBq4NhrQgn
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhAbUjmtcX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoEozKDUqJ
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD20H3MaZ3
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuckYYv3oX
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSZ47Q3HCT
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13R5kfYehf
**BOOM**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBIcFnmeOV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H5VTNhCnE
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec6Plfy3Da
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDt1Ea5yIW
"Pars!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyST7aQce3l
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sQX5ACUf0
"Huh?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8qBfTWaYH
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHpfWfYM5I
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDuqrQWtrC
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKcWEB3r0G
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NUYa8ZzeV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXACSpHXJQQ
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnJYjNMUjR
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ7uh6Vv3N
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLdBIQuRCt
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cMqwU7PUV
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QKNZRfZgK
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB96taABgoM
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPzAgTf82v
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJCYhMcHQi
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWCiCkGca5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzmpkUXhHk
**CLANG**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsZVBq5A3m
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJhk35fwgC
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljNDiWOIO7
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwshz4JofRk
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ2GtJ25wQ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ImvtqpJE3
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRSsHfh3qH
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡninRAifTQd
**SLAM**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoHMRSO3Ll
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jRTYjbQ6s
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sGdG88cGh
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U7L0xZNPi
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7hV0FjyuD
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k9pppoo1D
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFhRQbkQdq
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yb0rSSl6I
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ53kQZjHI
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlCpI4ljYh
"Ngh! Shit–!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24OThwo0ry
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBiOLqAe40
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMbWDkKQGh
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvlzlTHYva
But then–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dkxAY44HN
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVR3YlfuzX
**BOOM**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR5uZOBEHR
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51sUQ0R5Nn
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaLNqT49iG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpFiokV7j3
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU1IlfcLYu
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHiNdqnXoj
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFFDs4dclT
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7octMd53HZ
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrbgCT8mT0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYbRYbf9Dg
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNCXTFHQLS
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jI8yESX6Z
"Gah–! You scared me!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASWnZiEwOC
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl89RVK13x
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhzUpcnHgd
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNuluROCK8
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eGoAEH5AS
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T50bBDvp0
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDwEkn2Pup
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8iN9SIr6q
"No, this is terrible."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffm8mldhVJ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaePEgBAv3
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvPFTzskpV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ql5K9qVou
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfnv21A2bX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXGUZdglc6
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DIsbqnaGq
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX27QgNF5d
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW0mMI1684
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxNXp2geGz
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUnISTdE93
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScz8sZwp5d
"No. No suggestions from you, please."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfeIHoxZ4x
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlqzSSwSc7
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwW5LKpoha
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HuGlrTiUJ
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EWVI4nGNZ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jPwqTODh1
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzapoGRu65e
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGWrhwgWsp
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4LpoDq9Iy
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphoKEQIEIf
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5ZJZI186I
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g9qiTOebg
Still, no response.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT68Qnmt6hF
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJPQyTypUw
"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–"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPi4PpG5v9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKXXWpnxgb
"Because you're entirely incompetent."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGeUoJHsJw
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTigK121C6
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42uARaMLaD
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPub6MvJvy
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EJcMUFQ9A
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcba72Zts5A
"..."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3Qn9aBXk8
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlceXRTO5Wf
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv5MfSxSH7
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyaIhckv7O
"..."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6mITVOR5J
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUNkKHQVqo
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmPjbEkFLE
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVysAwmOze9
"What?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6WdXLWZiz
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSLrL0AnBO
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjEW7mQRlO
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvLr6CwFN2
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pt18LLScz
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRLFzbzBwe
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHWxEgl6rP
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV5nrUTx7a
"...I see."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktHUUVbwV6
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbftNugAx7
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAPt8OFCOV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlchQ9HXnAd
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBYugJm52E
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YLK0Ny2Qu
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEzYLvPNbY
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZIzW3d0pC
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy1yGSfZ03
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNzIzYBRCX
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVE6QabywG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YghLjkXVG
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfGvMTWXRq
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdlL1EoB9l
"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–"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudoYul2pye
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQTCWlHW8Z
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDbMFErCgk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9paTVNJXNS
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuPhNw6cPX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7WJy8GIxP
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:98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe07pTKEAnr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFHPQA5Oxa
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSye4vUomfq
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgjPZUYyBv
"Alright!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FNu9kE9K4
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIoywVGwZz
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUBniGElWZ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITMwf6u4kS
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VemiI4tEa
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGdsX44vnb
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ERUm1PrzU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc7X4A3APM
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LvXhzzGaT
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwsde8DMG8
–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EG9FqaSIx
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd3obdyqUu
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBuZ2tq4dL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQKXLiM7OL
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfJGrBAK1e
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt8oni8Ax9
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ653znCjeUs
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYfdpcwMaB
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9qWY4ma3f
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28AlM0nYrO
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzSM32us4W
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdWYKUHWFb
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zRfSy9lxs
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWQzhR8GuN
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPalN7lS2Fd
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fOoz2Cw7M
"--No!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEwCBW6roH
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WNXTPk6iM
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdaQ169IBQ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuK51VWvRN
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDGZTUyFKo
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAogXqfyXt
"Hyua!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQetB15GnAV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQMyUNPrdh
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxiPu2qU7I
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuisdmcZSya
However, he did have another sharp object.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyEJVhcLqk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8b6HXIHa3
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRc136GjJ0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e9mfTWAvv
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7xflqafO9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOYpd9vhMT
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC06iW9RXP
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCOjIqch5t
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiGO7QKwtR
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3IFJUMPHs
And what came was–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sT1WLeHHv
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSTXMcaLKQ
**BOOM**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBkxCeofDv
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHikhhbDlbn
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddHJlUzKWj
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqD30BfV6a
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ252qyZRg9F
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5cEiYvfIG
"--oop!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktizYvHQJz
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnvW5kx7RG
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VmhoCRY42
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19gV6cn3gt
"You... you're a sick jokester."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz35ZHfhbRv
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxbL9SYn59
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrir9Nce7m
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMHkOTFI61
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjU7NB6ujg
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9B5szQ6EG
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4jNdeslvt
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStVjVZSCFj
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51Ei5Yzhf3
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu4VfRFebc
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJzVsPyb8q
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinGKEksqQc
"What the hell... what the hell!?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4g6tKYAZi
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJKFGDEBv3
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLz8ubwksK
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwoi7khI01
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA8XjjwJQE
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8fZ93O6tN
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVEJLqZijs
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKRXZTu5ok
"...Heh."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOkRBwOWP8
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcqKHJb5Fq
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtQbiruKRK
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZO9FuJVhx
–
–
–
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkjgmaYNby
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7y2vq6uB4
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4YIj66f1j
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoyxkIJanU
**THUD**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQlJxJfnCa
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXnLMBVP0X
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcZvpFbCrS
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehkp5InP6A
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6p7RLklXy
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2KeNGg4Sl
"Though I have to wonder–"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLB9AUbt4S
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5oSRQxGHc
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTCPergIlr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuD2ecSolf
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8TX7HAIbC
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1mG9BBGj2
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OZqjtjJXz
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxelrlamtbA
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ0QJMZhF6
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYiPrTrPmw
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqea8YQadi
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebZ1dfEG0G
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.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9DHLukHVI
"Irritating...!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdJC0HK6jZ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xl5lKcooe
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB509x532J
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxXKFge71u
Dave didn't like to use spears.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCvF737gVt
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLsDRppT3G
"...Haaaaa."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivAl6hqNL5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmK2ysxARH
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD7eF6t9zs
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLckBzLNkR
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSDfg21shA
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCQ5asxGms
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdA7PVTcrw
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT4hiy9bS1
That's what he always told himself, at least.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrT59wAf43
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysQqNsXnIJ
**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**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZbCiXvJqx
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGeggwpF7u
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQar5qrstb
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHqeLpvlZ8
**CLASH**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ8cGkaNP9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKzLgdNnC0
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**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMLLJV6KOV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYZM4mM2xo
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?98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwBSC2MU7s
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIle49PiKtm
**CLASH**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpEch8QOJd
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSCmRTiY8J
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqpaSDGOFN
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzUtJ1dm6Q
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhETZVoZwM
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsezTvQExxE
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzZLhQ0ylf
Confusion–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocdpL4mCMU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSWr8BU8gY
**CLANG**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfuQJLNPl0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvdddWJK5l
Delusion–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyaUL5tWQi
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDbeyFGfa5
**CRASH**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdcwEtIscL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlfXPxjAk1
All lead to one conclusion:98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNWHBTu4w8
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxMo2YKpUv
**SMASH**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDJoKFEkb0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxs76WWHJK
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zDHoQmvVL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7idjPLWtL
"...No, of course it isn't."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfKWwJioKW
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbeYn8lckc
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKMkJ54Uvp
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUCfIUGDBs
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFWgfOGXTX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO9Un0v2L6
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VrThGMBsA
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ifxyeBFHx
**THUD**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr9ZFNFZag
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGVRzeYRQH
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArHgqEcvoU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rINcoJI7q
"Pars!?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD6DJOqZxo
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU7UqVLyH8
"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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6DLWRtcsK
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW3hYYm8S6
"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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhTZAiYh4Q
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZWLq47SJ8
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg30vX2I8zk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu96uWiPRV
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzvJq5bvw8
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth7red76ku
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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoo6haHT7Y
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsKxx3je2t
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yFvK6sI7P
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjIoX62SHQ
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LGBc5G382
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotisSV1bIf
"What do you propose?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxDWhLfoU0
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gwi068TKB
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbwhf7Zgu8
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydRWw0etOV
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl6NAVYAYL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwGRL8hu6j
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo9yRv0bEW
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82e6oghUPT
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI5CJsK6NV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyZZFpvb45
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO7F7VVQot
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCIpM3kPDb
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6nqxVNEZ5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vPCX5h6JS
"--Huh?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xYeIqsyId
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJplPXDiRhr
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xi47MEq4y
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWf9brzzuT
"...Always backhanded, huh."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpTFVIIlFi
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9n1AC4KEK
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 laugh98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZZdl6K10f
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi0BreiV7U
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD61nHLF7DU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3aJbLMgsA
"We likely don't have one."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Vj10ZduZ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRS2vVQqRu
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPyWJ6v8bd
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo5uwjtV6o
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqipduIFJBL
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEyHZRiczy
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh7SsnWnzf
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibot4k2wTu
"Well, if you insist."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2plR2iHPV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5QuqIKviy
–
–
–
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.
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNKQFUGddw
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7RGa1NrhT
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1TJMiOkPC
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVyBC86MZv
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFQkHbd9vi
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXej9XQquO
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaKDZ5N7Vx
**THUD**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDHfki8L90
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ83hOvF8Uh
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?98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAcW3QUmWe
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dqfA6pRAj
"--!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoL0WP4X9K
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPxDB55Tlz
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJkl4McJLr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8UDQu4N98
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeME5Qo3St
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44VIprXKkV
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–98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzQMU0bHfq
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7umlLRtex
**SPLICE**98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEqGbMwcRN
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Atm6YWT8i
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qUtCQNfbj
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6iJXtutOC
"I missed one."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGHwRWOXdP
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQSO4OMggC
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL6g41yFIJ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SL7PyPlKO
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS0FlELvWg
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ1hknrhdq
"Hey!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKBrcfAwuR
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NCuUYEZJd
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhwEQuBwMk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXVWCmoONn
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuuIue2ouF
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemgnTb5yT8
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNfPaemAcV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOs0vE8YJ5
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc4PZgVjQc
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRjHs7pcZD
"I never said that."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWI5zoUxQX
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu7ytHx91X
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGNKJ0S2IH
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSw6yB5ET4
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKncDhld6k
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAelc3XWjR
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpvcz28l5j
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdIyNJ3DKo
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKQ2NqfoMN
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUBTqrIDiQ
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrWjSeGUw5
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGlhvIP2ko
"Haaaa. Damn you."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbyOVZ558J
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79SWqWPZI5
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK7UPhYopV
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLEoXjTeea
"They are dead, right?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKt3zXPvfZ
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV72nXXUVe1
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkR3j4d1qW
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PKNlmfoZF
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46eAFKtnKB
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3w1KmGLD9
"I–"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6caFpn18e
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPoeXj2T9f
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2Jdrn5zqo
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrz8gpOCuv
"Huh?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmEpF596Yb
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SWt1IJk6h
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sUyJ8pAM1
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaRwwuvRFO
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr5vfa4tQC
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH29QCKiCoN
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHdpLMBslp
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapryDPDXun
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iWxUs1hyq
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWc97MkDXo
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ982Jq1Ar2t
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkPlquPkbn
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XPn87UPZ7
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybiUCDqgi8
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.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9tekdgXlv
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceAHu8JOTY
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAqV7RDKWB
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsvjJvNqt0
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAAzTpeQQb
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD4INtyn9E
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdeYfMLMH2
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrh4q7KP2a
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqt6cFSJFl
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqJOMbQ4HO
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kRmvzdlv9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU6cL1qIXs
"You raise a good point."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFBpXgnm3H
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdXQ013NDl
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU07Z8tvPRn
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TSeJQ9TSm
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzjHVqcQvT
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9A6OgsKcf
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqiuFyGqnC
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRlgq9yrpZ
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JRBJ76F09
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp1wXq3uLM
"Ha, abandon?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPwJFheZ7j
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18N4kvdRxD
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOABbaByO7F
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE8QR4vqJN
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE3i9sZaQk
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtvYb9X4LR
"If you were, it was backfiring."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfY6pv2b3w
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHFTDesu7R
"Harhar. Very funny."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nky5TXAog
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbKjlZkAGI
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JPfXetCdr
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYudgJpRXp3
"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."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9ZaKerCio
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X4oHkKHFs
"Aren't you conceited."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAbOki4WAU
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0PsYYgJbH
"You think it's arrogance?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaW1am5Zes
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHED6yenlOs
Pars began to stroke his chin.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDKnEWa9Vs
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmG5Yw4k1S
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2StXWyuGmi
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUH4pivCId
"But what you want isn't just greatness."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiM45bZTg9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyT7S1l8zZ
"...Yeah, you're right."98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbrRh2DzN9
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6dJ6y7jZz
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s1fMoU3jG
98Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqnrcAK1Xk
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
