Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVka3EkDJeD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfERNzS8nv
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFeASlsVzA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44Bh3iVWVd
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZW9EVsaZf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHmPmJWMBK
"What are you doing!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48Cw4j0uEZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5ukjpJcTV
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxc5ySaArl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSxgXZ3ZOF
**BOOM**74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh5GyW4UnJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeDXsraZ7o
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDqz9RTJG8
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"Ngh, damn it!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CTarKGFyS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlObJknNP2
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7wn4CySrv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVZAxBHTnt
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkbBh1ZnH3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFMQiMaHNS
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsqiuEbUmx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3q9MtpNq3
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UKQMb66sm
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTiWfywYsp
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPppOd8YCYA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr1g5SwzJA
"--Damn it! Rover!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnxW12JRLo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIdDNmpqCO
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zMDxvdrbh
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGop2Wvn2Ys
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nyqEcO4DY
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn4P1qpzlD
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PmHFtgxgH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FKcyL1ibT
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRwR0nQINd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmuDX30cn6
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTTH4fkvy9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqopdhgNAbb
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71BsBTGGjy
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbudm7g0Ur
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJii8FQ6Ag4
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5gew5veAz
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIejVnEqYX
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGquuPuLlS3
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRGic7miyZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrThtskCiMz
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61IjYGdnW0
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WyPWr74un
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6Uwpu8lDT
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlczdLrGisP
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO4wzE612k
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeK4IVKgTd
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyrxUEuBl6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd1VtS1wrl
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8xkmxZJND
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzbwNcdfhg
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBta40OzBF3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrTvEzhdkH
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn64gRY34g
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzCRy0Sk9p
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawFB7gqGkJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhkDKUGyhT
"Hey, Kenny!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADCXKuBtTQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2wj4C9p6g
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b7T8UfCeG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiwzoh6egH
"I-Is she okay?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUvBSWbDpf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiSug2ay4K
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyroZu2aKr
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgVwyqw6j7
"I don't know what that is!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NITBFmn8U
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPzYCdwmkR
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRUikQbkAd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB44zDr3kf
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsn10AYHsq
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Though, that did raise the question–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGSxJ3k3oc
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWK8QyzSGm
"Do you know where you're going!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEaKXMga8Y
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVCeQ1Mp2c
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sAEYMq6fo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm5BVpMELc
"Ah– where is Dennis?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rbgahb0LR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6eT8WsJ3E
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSZM4rqEI0
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZevx9sKil
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnw6pUscyR
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"Shit."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf6TAaizEG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtexACUkSlS
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzyi2BiHsU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BwOsB1Osz
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbSAbtGCYK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBNAMPvgIu
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5BGx0G6AI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPXDPepiBl
"...Alright."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4v0klk3IR
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3JPU82tUz
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBCAQjEQTZ
"Alright, I'll take yer question."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtlUuJHeao
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3lIE1l3Ew
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWN94svHbT
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmDGSWMrlZ
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C1APxGgWW
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"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBdLTM1j0U
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxYrw8kNLS
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunr2ORIifS
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcv75Ts9BE
The man stopped speaking.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUcuCb42FW
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"Alright, carry on, then."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhRXVUJUOy
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPcJere3Pm
"...Eh?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD5cKO3yhO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bLIOX3Wlv
I shared in his confusion.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjba4jrkiBW
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55giOQbn0k
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4C7ofuBsg
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsju5GW1mCB
"I-If ya say so!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1BGBaisFM
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC62zY2NeN
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIWt0WGrxY
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTZNaZiPJO
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoNKvmtU65
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QUmaWlTCH
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrfaa4ADQ9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaWCkTfCQk
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFXRhfu57U
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvDZxIs2dU
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHWnuzQrc8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYUupFiFPv
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDDIiMjbS2
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMqW90vIml
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRwMoRZ4IS
"Damn it, kid!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4XAFi3wti
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8fdhEDWMa
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wm9kXOcSv
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3eAAWyvjm
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIVr3gWOMf
**SMASH**74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw9GMD8smn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmMGkQWYLF
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrUatqi7XK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3NihxTiG8
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjaU1ctzFK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcj0EmGqya
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6f63lW2Qm
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXbrI02Xor
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoiVDTZmxl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCOMrHCKyE
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPAXca2Fwd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneBxMI6XNL
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNiEMUPSWN
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeQ5JO71DS
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqobZhPL7P
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y7yrej8mo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjCs5Xh93L
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAiYqcJMgQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJBx0popyk
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cU6kok87N
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw1rU1D9Bc
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIrG08SKZU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUsMgYGxYy
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVbqri614X
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZplhVMMMrG
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3gHBSjnvC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUH2AQ09oq
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiAfkjXqtm
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3D5xRlzvv
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwsmZqTfWZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzpBVOxEJk
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjvyrzw1iW
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5xJgaAAmJ
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAQBsrTJf3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0ohku7qtq
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSixtEaE5pV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbvn7x8sAU
"Like I'll let ya do that!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplnHPAbivt
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnpQ1zdlZb
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXzqCaWOFR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoh4DeSRZr
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf26ZBUeeqR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuSPrcih7T
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrN9mcmPHF
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EqPrL6uNd
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hB5N5joR3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfMAe8kLmg
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8EwwH2G1l
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But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpoBnc5MNE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlFLeExE2F
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwlfcmRmdZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT13cf5tfHt
"--Hrk!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOwKguQNB6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhF3izabc7
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocgMWZL2rn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyPv5JsRWt
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG3u7JGAdH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU6IPulUyP
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS5lyEGDGf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZrzHJthaE
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzUOm2QPQB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI98iDXBSaS
"Whatever!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MCmDjzEyn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GIEMymbQs
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmOC3PSzTm
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUsfoSAvmO
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGrlVGVGJe
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceu5P7EVdB
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4adRBFWhvo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R3BJvo2tE
Dread, worry, guilt–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWo2Xr8EMB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9QYGJnQ87
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08EzEdj8bP
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYjRa8cyVf
"...R-Right!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnNrWWpC13
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCIUxB7rs1
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSG7hbaN6R
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz5tHhUc6v
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqStT5IrwV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0iQIfRWad
**SLAM**74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rVlpVI8le
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3u7uBr37D
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgSdfD7M82
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLSxeTyCKF
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW8QPAjzxq
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYVJTkojer
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dubo849Sb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd22Y9BclQK
"--Ugh!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb09kNM4MF9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvJAnlMuy3
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUGptN7JFs
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzriay1ITy2
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzikey7MulJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR01mszOBAV
**SMASH**74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIP9dTODzp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mMZKQdTcZ
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVucMsearL
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsw1U0vGDP
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDfu1fL7Xs
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWd3LzpxRp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaZmy9l3Uz
"Ah! Sorry!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DD9MdvpKc
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGEXNtfbvO
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaWV55cfP5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZBL5d4ZOz
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX8HgOnrSh
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHQaINMu7r
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4jg6p3M5J
"N-No, that's not it."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1b8k9eYHb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopr8h4AlcW
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmROolIggqI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmksMTUScd
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN3l6TGawG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKAkMaV8sp
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
