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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67l7ibWxBm
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGvCzbMK7u
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqp2LqKhIK
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iN0YMYOXe
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrdrWR3hhs
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFrpGM0Bbz
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguUJAMkY1r
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF21jscmbFG
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6oV7AgM3c
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBflHSFaQ4r
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rWaeYbcf8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWF12qXGYD
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHG42vCB4E
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSceOMP3h5L
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BAjH3MeJ8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGeNsYTCBA
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhnaLCw6aT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbgMmPt6sj
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxYiWiDFs1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1xfvJjA4U
**BOOM**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4oIFGNKNY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xfqday1PB
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKiL3Wu5D5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3Lsi9klYs
"Ack!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxkWNyQss3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8Y6rrs1aZ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfdIaR5yws
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhc5IiJscv
The room was a catastrophe.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6Hp85eKFR
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyL2sfLgoo
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVEeIUvYjp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ535iRUGm4z
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjknF6Epz1r
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrZ3TIC4Tp
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIPtWQ5RoR
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyvuLPejA3
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJO14nzkxI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ysIv3uNih
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSpGRJVb2T
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRCam3zdr0
**STRIKE**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiDSNIt2PL
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–only to be immediately interrupted.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw67FT9vYFI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgKQ4z2XkH
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7Zq4lW0Nd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKroCLThQO
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RJCGwaUYr
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGftIRlFCp
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUDfHa9Ixs
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZFWKWVJFO
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0pX4Vkv9I
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrMeHJE2p8
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNUZC0jPHe
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4ZwRR9DuF
"C'mon!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38i1mYUk1u
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntnK14eRJc
"--Ah!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsv1mz0Cbz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEJR7luFZe
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaJX6kWImX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZmStbozhf
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbiPJlfueD
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OdsGnFEsu
–
–
–
What a moron.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQR6qN3iWe
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoBzVgYd1P
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLyn4s4iZq
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIz5H94Zhx
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEpnkcFxzp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzta9R1CRz
**THUD**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLBQdindyx
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfbkDeXeDI
"Ngh!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfpVfR1X48
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe6Amo8PTJ
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhXCAyCRVZ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VFccCNDCB
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPhtEba2Ch
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqzuFXBJdE
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8uh8CdZo8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7VmlA4PGY
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmp5jumXWz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdKeHRcDaT
"--I should've known!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8qDtlFlvt
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lsfsgTLVZ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0nkICoPro
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRKn5JaDpj
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdDiwP2P7c
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFSdYg5yWc
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0PQxYJgrB
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLpsink7SF
"DAVE!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS42CQAd8h
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKqJBEvKX5
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdOB1UcqhF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ6syP3Gj3
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7Jvse2KIY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O25ft71Cj
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.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEHPB2XxYb
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLsvj0hjzI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2vlNstHUo
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkulhCDBWpd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNSf6ydfTU
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX95uk1D9C
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kfzW1QsCz
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc1ijF8Q55
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5y9tLBZTt
"...Those are our first casualties–"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGtOBRm12P
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5fMihDKMp
**BOOM**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioxAStQxNA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgIekCfpSw
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5xSOzF6FY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClSYUE3C5d
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAhIx39ajI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K0L8bXzzS
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3svG8G4VB
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh27feRzHil
"I'm here now."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtBPBzTWBP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFqbLwgjK5
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hImDtOudj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ztu1UWIDj
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YDLvn7Cc2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHrHUiK5jL
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVDUqJ0pVH
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRCrLF5ApD
–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h6wdpSuQp
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfZilpVRjY
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5xR7CQj10
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By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX7W5LUIj0
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIJyIxXrv9
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwS9BUME0K
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GqNX9z3ap
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ000wnNlef6
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9uQ9dP9zO
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3GmnueDOn
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbof1PPMsOI
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3k27A3Ijx
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TNXradAit
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxiwd7QovM
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavZWf88OpW
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGN5j9xMza
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvBQyAffvv
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXvdfZDNhg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0427RMnf4V
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VxfQktBAj
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**BOOM**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHaRe66yd1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UaLWIh22x
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHYbtW9mbl
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBcwl15d14
"Pars!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKEYc8xFvl
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcymNFdrRhR
"Huh?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNjXpsaz1L
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvlqO4KfEu
–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkCciTupRB
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG3vWAUu4d
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMKWPR7fCs
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It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtEorbjuAa
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcGr78PXTz
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMJuN9EG9e
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisLCc8tnwM
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqnz3uihhx
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9T8sQyi05
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89M7FJ2mj8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUzGn8GsaI
**CLANG**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoqQKrx6AA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpNBTlnqkU
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdjuw5pINu
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaKY3bGz0K
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdomoHbK7fl
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqMJkD6mF6
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xg9CAntl4
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4daPGbU8d
**SLAM**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1p6A9Cwhw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUcXT9LUgZ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmQiTUBCS7
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYil48ATmju
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHTENgjtgf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWmW57wcjN
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg3fjwBg51
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWvSFQ8yMK
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBE3lqXRDs
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7OpZ5Gu6m
"Ngh! Shit–!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJXzZs97KP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAZ0QfL2U1
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviG6Igtj7Q
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xVYhhUbqi
But then–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy3WA5aj60
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fbuqDOhI5
**BOOM**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IlPkkhNcw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62GtyRZeuf
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjb1iaDw88
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmgM5sywTx
–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiL4C0gHzT
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9Kw1YyGWd
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnYXRAWUBa
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Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGKIm77mCU
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtXR8X2Z8C
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyCvTsyytr
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sWtqU5CBQ
"Gah–! You scared me!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThIpAnN06X
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYaq7v6CmJ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3PRQcuehr
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWhjdEhd7k
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcqDtd17Uy
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzdeAVxmQQ
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPaRmmPP87
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBeGsUgGe4
"No, this is terrible."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSvA251qw0
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm73XkO9mwF
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVmwXM58VJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw486aMkPg
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL0gOr94bi
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlx8gYo8TU
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxoIEFsvAl
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyAD0CXnNY
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCqtIXRdW1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDli56mzJaq
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr5euXtUac
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2puIlru6CN
"No. No suggestions from you, please."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy8SwVaEQ8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FMLktG0cC
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsrb6uYuW9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAjEkICQhO
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxT6Kps4jb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp9ZkWZCJ1
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYvA3P0rrC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodL0qynomB
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY8rIgl0h0
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4XqOFQ3EC
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6JK34Wxne
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3a2ZwuBat
Still, no response.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FRrNQfUX0
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKkf6ZtOIA
"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–"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9yiNDHuzQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5niMJqjhVm
"Because you're entirely incompetent."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE56qcQmkS
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeG6C35Nre
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0yPJq9Hke
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqntbmlVnir
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0OgZiFED3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC7GCdsE2u
"..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SUDse3wT9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i3LbKEFpt
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4howa8HAUI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7EkIoyncn
"..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ1laslDt5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr8ZREz5z7
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK6omY7je1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajVFN9jDvH
"What?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgklIVd94sT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBxnnRhTPv
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwws2Y7ch71
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MrDXqAo7y
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZPVkoe3m1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E4yCI9zPD
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77rvtUOr0W
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFkS6xhgCB
"...I see."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlf12UBo3L
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA64q0CKAJ0
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoewLsvpBy
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICOeCUbIZm
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsDb4pB1yX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFcBimgD3a
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpDc2ltUWY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y68SfSF78
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFZJ3vwe3k
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFDXyHGpU7
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjT3nM6eGg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIVQVSgdGn
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwecoFVdJ5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpOWTtbMBe
"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–"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6fSKPlKa5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVTKH3Av9E
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqChU0HQWO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmeSLcZccF
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCMa2pMXAp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2NwgA5qPs
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:67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrY5NUyf5g
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvZhfQiYqy
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl1tMIBwtF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PwpEsRds7
"Alright!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCGMO1XZq7
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH46VGXmC1
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgEEXJyiEf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdpLtZY7rE
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDV1lXlO0y
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16504AIbTM
–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Voei2Ohu
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfP6iLFwCX
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuIQv4L8rN
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxkJhtvRYi
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtEOSiyzO2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruawYy2kRZ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAop5jaRZxD
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPlcQMwnxc
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ExyV7k9s6
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdwP06xW7G
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn09LLZt2ds
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXCGBHzh4Q
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXZLLwVJAE
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo260ivlDv9
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOpKp7nAFA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB6Jl2QHwv
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDGykgRHvU
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS4e1DYpGq
"--No!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN17Meetqb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqK7Cn83R7
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwnfpiPqJ8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQw1ibGP0T
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy4dUsNYEH
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7TKghE5f6
"Hyua!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPj42nvk1S
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J5MEAITwk
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQMlG4jOLP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQsDjwdCVX
However, he did have another sharp object.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7UuJe8Rbf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8J1h5TYce
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxgIGZm6bI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnzmf6MRGU
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iUlY3PdAr
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jGwECRWQk
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3we32EaN7h
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyACecmjls1
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLpGApSjUg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y6H8UMOgt
And what came was–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgKhedBuDK
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPF1WqtdJh
**BOOM**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVhMrQVC9K
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6ty1piczO
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXZVrBiodT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5fFaDVOqm
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmYpm83e6x
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhDSCTSZE7
"--oop!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TtXjF1A0F
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6sNflRms8
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6USE2zCs9V
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zqqyiEm9R
"You... you're a sick jokester."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hiY0iBBNO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl2FAthR0p
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFsufUpvaF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx73XvX8G8
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd6NVtySpf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZy0jDrNh6
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38CDhrf0cV
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6zwzKqpfS
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjvacN5kZ5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPwPpRx9OX
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw5lt4jx2f
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzwQosZM0z
"What the hell... what the hell!?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsB0PdWV3x
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbKVJ4eefw
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7ReACIgZk
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jHcpKYTdA
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2qBiVm6Mo
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQkRtSEUr0
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAcccf8s4n
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt4iRZOk9m
"...Heh."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRnOcOMjUi
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3bJ7W8PKj
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTTjLmhjdh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee73A8K2g9
–
–
–
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5SRCt4JHY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R9vlHUxHK
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ea9dvVyuF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLgphQhEB7
**THUD**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU44dyYj9cC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMehEApVl4
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUeSwOT9WQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwaZ5lQEtm
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylbH3PdxKq
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YRSpoPNe6
"Though I have to wonder–"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5uaqqXQE9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfkYr3qKkS
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV2bpiT4ft
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtxrBSgUDo
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiCw028CVF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnEwm7TXfD
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MLhVnr0ge
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKd1PyC4Zo
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj264pbHtO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pm9mTUVp9
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP6GF79cBj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpqtAp7B5O
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.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsqsx0sgQI
"Irritating...!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWW26nAov8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnUXX4THbB
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshSA23Fm4G
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHJX1SOg1B
Dave didn't like to use spears.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pcHILLVaf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3RZVRdDcO
"...Haaaaa."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG0sKQBPFi
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkHl8kfnWO
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPb0dOM5iG
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8eMBxkDag
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjO0ipYEUv
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpetBZ7w6YB
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyO14Q8Bi2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O1HDQ2htP
That's what he always told himself, at least.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNICwXCWcwf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTsT64UHDH
**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**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNSyUj3Qx6
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7QOYG2kTv
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtF1KtBR5o
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60lLalKdug
**CLASH**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jgmJhiBsQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtNKwauhVZ
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**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeJWTPlkwJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17zNbUnU22
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?67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfLPEQv3Cb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI5iNXspYH
**CLASH**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmdaDAgFG9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4Uy0nB6QT
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ieQ3g87Jm
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1onLyniPie
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMtgtV2KYC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxjE0mlOR7
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBfLOFA9HD
Confusion–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uAIyJ7gCI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMKCBy7vwk
**CLANG**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYWmy5ytON
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKxxJKiglZ
Delusion–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczjhpcX3kq
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifBQiAeLa5
**CRASH**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDnUXe1DEq
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjWP0c18rX
All lead to one conclusion:67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ248HlPbOAP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZrWV8Xlvf
**SMASH**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0IKULOKfW
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXWFDguhk4
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBJunQOdAQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvDvZeZw75
"...No, of course it isn't."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Hpn8zVbL
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ctOWQZVog
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfZz4J2K6u
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHLwlZwAGh
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLX36fgwtn
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdwMPFNgcl
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4CxfvlP2c
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Thk25IVgT
**THUD**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK5FgwznrU
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BekIe3m40
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs1wiVLdmB
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgJTdR13gY
"Pars!?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdPl7hkqq2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP6tFvY6S2
"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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IVnhRhpjw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpthakIIEC
"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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xUQ3xXRUo
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqF3cysZHn
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhufzteAFJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgq8oHNWmg
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHog29pEsD3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdB2q15wFk
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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapTgS79wfC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE96X7Flap
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EFO3ils0O
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5ydSTW4l3
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw67Lg07Sw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICVRXf9bSE
"What do you propose?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvrr6L4fkg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgDgFxqahu
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCSwSnxPgW
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL939sb1n1
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZVhT4hnsC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYio9LRVonD
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FLDqy55fZ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN4HAYGqb9
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLOomESfYe
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtoRhoR5iI
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2QbMEyWdO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw8sM8lglS
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ieIKShzyT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLccSGOYNS
"--Huh?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqeIM13glW
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg0hi9sc1N
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3wepLGkWf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm4UsWaeUZ
"...Always backhanded, huh."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH9iF9OM8j
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz6OBCRTXr
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 laugh67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjj0HtGcg2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Le4Edrrf
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NGnhk0t9C
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2frGq3zcA
"We likely don't have one."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxAW7cqeuI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAMjnwMJ2R
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNkdNNpkMX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7b1ob8ABl
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wZezgyHKq
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKoMVjZn98
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfbeWxqOp2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW9f66XUxe
"Well, if you insist."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5xtlUNcs7
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRJ9S3BC7O
–
–
–
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.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk13YKGGR62
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB9BxiFsjb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6qwNAgzLF
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzlC2LAeeb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5UenEUnxc
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlvHgxCmC8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcdBMLnSuZ
**THUD**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UHEnjS5gy
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3aXgntHuS
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?67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuFjwE1O49
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYMvSiziNJ
"--!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSEkF0hOIX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRn88shT2cQ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55ACsEHcCh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIHzSN2veC
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FZ4EKYRA1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr69n5dBmf
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCzg7jzc7t
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4A0fdZDLE
**SPLICE**67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8IezV2r4I
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTX2JHh6TM
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefrm0kgyIh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLM9hSp8tI
"I missed one."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchtOapcEZs
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBNVjHbyyS
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOjedHaqdh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2l8pbtZCC
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO0oBN1VMY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGOFfR1OmP
"Hey!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX3wM7nJhi
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNqxT2CE1S
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar95U6WbBa
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgdOZztJNm
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUYyRROhn9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXuSlHLG0u
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO185NEDdQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XFiNIGK2G
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq4CsZDNH8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcpE52vSaP
"I never said that."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoV7ATZ1RC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3A5eJtYpR
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8r8cM4TaP
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxe8h3DozV
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61owCczAi2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8wZvUjyYv
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6vAO0Zqnj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9zRobCWo3
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG7QKqdaWV
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe36v6tSAUz
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSufAul7Yx
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVIVa7ZBLI
"Haaaa. Damn you."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeFEtOFNHJ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViYmdmpHzX
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMZVDjhVc2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8JCIFoc4O
"They are dead, right?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKj0Da563F
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAuBQVGivb
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKOMiejZNe
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChQlj3Rj2R
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDnRfGepPi
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynMg5zCMKW
"I–"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA1KgvBt1x
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0zeJ1kRp1
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl0prjkTDC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv93QunHbpH
"Huh?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9892oXW78Z
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjwtOcCRnh
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8ZK1CvTOF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDINW3LlUe
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdzsNUATNa
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ738J7A4TsY
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6U83YD4Wl
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpgatS7gsR
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWL7g44MRS
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf4rVmGLWZ
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWJUXReD6F
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6JPAuLA5G
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsMADqokAj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FbqMNO5gq
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35vfuW8oRT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcX3jl8A0P
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwiqKlsfdE
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zmeenkmmJ
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9b1oQrbjy
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSLOAi51V2
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvG4sJIIOz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI1419Djcf
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D04pcA98f
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ5HvHgkFi
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDbHVQF6v8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa87fFlZ4P
"You raise a good point."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKW7QMtlVb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcpRRJj4g2
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhZf35wNUM
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK4z4oDFpv
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8sZPCKm0x
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yBjNleY7h
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvtLTRDz4x
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxn2c9ZvfQ
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HiiaI1BEE
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGephm6Qjvz
"Ha, abandon?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa41lAbr4qd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Zimby4i0G
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hnfvswY90
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJHpDhFR9Q
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHznHsx8utd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR1n0c9aKI
"If you were, it was backfiring."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKscNd33Ph4
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1BB8BuONR
"Harhar. Very funny."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzJl3QcCcq
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPMizKv1Co
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zpay0xehO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzxLUL4pIK
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgedjZATXc
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEvjvfIPuc
"Aren't you conceited."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RLlnuofDS
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiVUFWe2LB
"You think it's arrogance?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yh0fH88RU
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Pars began to stroke his chin.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVmQPru2U2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXWxwIbE2I
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjYn3cn8gK
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONg7MI9VtN
"But what you want isn't just greatness."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSO5vf4AsD
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTSowgBY3n
"...Yeah, you're right."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKVyIRJVnr
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk3AAYpEiI
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGs3RPq8gt
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37oSVdE253
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
