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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BIlojJhbL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQONNQhxjD
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoun6FtwdU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YQFUL90pn
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoJ4ZVn8ER
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbMNEjdci8
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev9JosIrBU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW6cpT9Z6U
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNzMWacIwO
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpbvKX9P5I
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3qTXgAq3X
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP5Z7jtbx3
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3RFC0nT72
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7hF4sGwuO
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJeguZck1S
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbIQLu24Bd
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87x8oOXVrL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIezbYH6Gw
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxmbPiyuTA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDD8QJj2MI
**BOOM**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUMQzMZV6w
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDScwmiQGvw
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxADKtkNiw9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbpila1TxD
"Ack!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGwPZv2UcL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofwHBc3DVc
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQRQt9P8cH
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SqWKlmXkq
The room was a catastrophe.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC6LiWWULd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY11Pga3mF
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFfrkvYQQB
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuEGQjxqzf
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz0T2pVHqf
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfP9ScP4uM
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPH3K7inLh3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLxvBVrv25
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUnHl6fLZ8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW1TKOxPNj
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak2FIjn8Mo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGVMcNKNSZ
**STRIKE**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLANrpUxSs
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IAjerRTMj
–only to be immediately interrupted.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZjOCLqXco
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND0TZIb5qy
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXODKVyYuV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe2flBp8pH
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKGM1WBANU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVkKesiiXy
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ2lQQRdWg
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvER8q5HLZe
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0Z2rpRr2B
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b8vA644uJ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6I6FHgdLR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA6D8QEZ35
"C'mon!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVrrsbbQij
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E59juEEea
"--Ah!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw50OU1th9w
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYujNAhEEaV
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcMm8WHbSn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnjy3vR8da
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7v64Iwn9V
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCOf6yqPLN
–
–
–
What a moron.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbmGbyzbTS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bhpctszZg
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV6IBfAKTn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WY7wzk845
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoxIVocdr2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei0GiriYNf
**THUD**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKltlqENeQ6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaGG1ZRHwT
"Ngh!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3veJ9r3av1
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MDaJCoLLL
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmFCivRZHI
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbZznpqTKH
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tLf5uX34P
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmojJ4X5OJv
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdnwkkZnwz
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HucgkaTCF
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUb6tKHTx9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeUeNmlUxW
"--I should've known!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcZWfM5EL9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLYkvFQvWY
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqGsNwtTRq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTc2G6exEb
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0cpnNCe5V
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20D9po2LzI
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1dTbarQyH
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNY9wAj5nm
"DAVE!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLe2RfNbkR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFky0bDhq8
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBLoveuOG3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCtW6UaKS4
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoLXNetrFM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcUPysh8nZ
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.
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t0le9uvAt
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz6U8in9Q9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwrJSDnNoc
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNZnRHygvz
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gB6AE6Fy6
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K57NXdjIT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGQV1H5kiw
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIwKrzxYNQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14pEpSmykK
"...Those are our first casualties–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SYd2WQZLF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobEOCHHXhQ
**BOOM**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DmWR9m6p1
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeW9p431yD
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmZMhNrtpX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYQzy1F4rD
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1om535PfS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0BF0G8SI7
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxruMozCJhY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7sgeniTJd
"I'm here now."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuzY0IVbl9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjLqSwfXfK
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jWCzickBE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVfKkxR3rW
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHrn6czySM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZlHEcg3SX
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld29n7uiKy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzUChTjA1m
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIYy5bpCHg
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4AzXOduf3
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfGHkUi73T
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHeetSIntB
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GM936JJni
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWChEVmiiLZ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU67ja5zbU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SG3otv0I9
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FjaINc1kZ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDNVCGMltD
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOiquYdCA0
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6TbDsbXyg
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tYqVNyyWJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpROPN6tBE2
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLTL02nZLG
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnHhMKSwmO
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC27yXOpCjd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMOGnyzrp7
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC6z1gHJDt
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPM2RggFXo
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3hxrNHhql
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbAWR5EaYK
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBf07APdLy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD772fAITP
**BOOM**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv9HnANpun
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeZsjsxOVj
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXRvIiQykU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2pUn6Sjog
"Pars!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrQbpP9Xya
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5aaUaHhU9
"Huh?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlcRcNepAD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpq8dvaCWr
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipGmSRovE3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkduNBoMLkD
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyPZV4adKQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGC2edshMW
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReJcFvQsDG
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfdXvPkWNR
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwBcvNiRRR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yxmUVWnTO
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP1sPLsylD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSPEMpwspX
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIImcAYzcY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAhAcIFfwe
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZsRLTefq3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhodcTuZV09
**CLANG**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCbm0fZwi4
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f3NbRO0rx
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpJ76AkShr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcG7k7HTE3
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJcAhMNft3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghPsog9RZr
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIzLb5LQpt
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftnQjTzJ8H
**SLAM**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2C7r4YMW7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAFMDC9wiP
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyCupX3MEy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l8xH9Qg7b
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb68lSBzuc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3cUUd4fiQ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgAycOIETB
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDw3rzvq5h
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RgwkmEtZg
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspKJvf3nfM
"Ngh! Shit–!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeClJqtrcxX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEhhy9x3k4
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyVS4NZBV4
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG34Ryesrja
But then–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzTHVrqUYD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tId3LuJcq
**BOOM**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxaFR7rI0c
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxycBr3l60v
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G8KlnEOKy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAZV39nlYf
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRwK6rMLNj
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3v4ApBcaB
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwrlK4zR3c
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaOEPusPCk
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbMboZxtuw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNtUbR1uAC
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg5dBhA1YM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhiRGuAwbl
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5VJ64yeXQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRKcVSkrPo
"Gah–! You scared me!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtORzC0Nft9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIZzQMCe6G
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEs53xCNuD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ168Bh57F5r
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13iuBIh2M6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJz03n1tOE
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RE5s5CSCC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam8pLB4ewb
"No, this is terrible."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EncjfdKhY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6U214IyZoX
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDVdDYQek3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGDhnCRove
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIyuBfjz2b
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ621syd84Un
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5DHJeO50P
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzBkCwuaK8
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjtzIyA9SN
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pz5Pda27o
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQphSKjNwd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPlA7dy2z1
"No. No suggestions from you, please."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJjuQ6ybYL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKgjitonwZ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOBXDkcoyI
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV8dR3U0gK
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBgsHPNxfb
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0rgGOGaqi
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGyDxDbPzZ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51cDWkMiFa
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7HhWw8ESt
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNbIXHi7fG
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9exaS3rbHm
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbR1mm6VTq
Still, no response.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ495ldpW6Fr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C2GkgatA3
"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–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp9J5T085O
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZtyUXDRwS
"Because you're entirely incompetent."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUMjHxF8T1
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vPIF8gWpN
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJUz0QnsBO
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgCIXoLXdE
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OFDhTNd7x
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRTxlWTuzY
"..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wLRuPKskk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ558tFOMtRa
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQq3fuAO6y
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWGZdDyAp8
"..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGDDBaIeZi
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Uc8vM4iwG
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRan7VGDKS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoQKB15QF1
"What?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFHdTxq9nV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7kt6tccUS
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T53oix0Rw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2neB37MEkZ
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LtCAVlglq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp7vTWT0ix
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ949KWN5Hga
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRMsn5JnTv
"...I see."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnYtuLXUlp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ691td8YOav
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlbWnePUzR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVVurYtDLr
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvDIbfqv3I
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMNAlZicPR
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDwwhzGFix
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O5F38nrLh
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FznHYlImq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFfUidP5UV
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Dr4BbUHeL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ltVElv90c
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T9ggTafEy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz0mlg2Gic
"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–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetzdetgRcJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mpc5XAEMX
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKbVBA0RZ6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOmyeh7ciN
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIRqJY4HDv
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY1lk7GDTj
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:92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7yRRpeSwV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsMfa3y35S
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq97QMOsuze
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1319JZx2c
"Alright!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wMcVKjDum
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw63YpHtivv
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItdQt9d5l5
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjoAdM1ibe
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8JBdBPiKZ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oFe7gbbqi
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqV0Gzuu1a
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe72SRrym9
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ5G3qxg3o
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQimWxYTIA0
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxcYpdMIHt
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2th1zI6FA
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyHXR8cBNi
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUcJiM0mm4
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0Zs6wbiT3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6DVSclydG
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMKx3kohHw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgHMwnladB
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYBYeRFIkj
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbohYMaFuwN
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB0Um7koR6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU1JJ1WmAF
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRiQZIK5HP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnxhnXwOOS
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JkQREq8kl
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlryubyEaG
"--No!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wFguada1K
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgKFwAZemX
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAjSRlVhcI
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioe4WrI7qP
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6ZrVj0lCI
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAcQhMP6jJ
"Hyua!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ3nk4oMwc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn84VV5a7Km
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA30zkRW9t
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRPFNJx2aw
However, he did have another sharp object.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXxUekvBso
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwdoJ6iHTo
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0Voiv3in8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLVMAWUHRM
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dLZl1ImxK
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCdIaYHGUS
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86TGwAopFY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlFVgrk0az
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26SPfZLYOw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvPEaDsq1H
And what came was–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH2gCtK4b9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0xLqKKjlg
**BOOM**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal2zWx2Zjp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wd9TI7Zmi
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq8AkEzL0B
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCEiX5C4lK
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmN5tkkdxO
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9IeIzAPw9
"--oop!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7GsEqguJ2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOuoxqqzTE
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3DYLcDbeZ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH7zlqwOAG
"You... you're a sick jokester."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwfU9mkOcQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfaAYNTRkH
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytd8ybnFm2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F2qFlQijd
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeunhIjeCK
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs8OZRyFf5
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXnqTqyvHj
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaaY9NyJC7
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYdydkdWIk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0gybVgBW2
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamrhl9oOaQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB0qZoshWZ
"What the hell... what the hell!?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccMlMDj5G1
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hD1Sgp6Ky
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0BFuMEWc7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbVHgqiOeJ
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP4UxXVz8Y
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvrmM3Z0A9
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M7Xo27F4i
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTGvPrEHDf
"...Heh."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWaXeXmHAk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv826T1NjXE
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtqv9qtAQ7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab7uaMRo4c
–
–
–
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aPIqLv0Dv
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzOLCvHZQ6
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9Ywo1kmRr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncNa3HRfc7
**THUD**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiyKcU4oMA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaCVAS27Mw
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4cGfw3mc7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOQt8MoP42
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA58cjYwPm
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Gh86k4xlN
"Though I have to wonder–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EnK7KHJrs
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFyajomg1J
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ5CeKVZwT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh1CtV1Jpa
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX7DkvWpBo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O7xsv6sUk
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0BhNdjzeK
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ceJWvbmiz
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIYh1fYAM7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadxT0UlJXy
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqR2QTtSi2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjsDoCOnSJ
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.
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaljfEXBksN
"Irritating...!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER4I2YXL9P
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bCLv3l3GI
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWHZF1GlJw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73YNrPYjen
Dave didn't like to use spears.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMYzkhTRYd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDg5f77P2u
"...Haaaaa."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM7nMMqlol
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxkxgfJK3n
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmRAZ9Ngwr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEobM1IvV9
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7YuwuXP2N
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pndFQUrte
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu4y4hRjaE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaExZSqR8lb
That's what he always told himself, at least.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6VjfzGK48
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiqWHjELyr
**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**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5oAZMvxSq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9uCXNKQXS
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaPlBa3qfJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMxUy4DxjE
**CLASH**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSehfmkGzse
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUcHNu2Is8
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**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFauYf2Jzev
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T1Z3qT2OF
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?92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb3dWYWZg0
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WUcbqLkhR
**CLASH**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZE1PSZwMO
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbifTiYz1xX
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHrOK1w4EV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHbg9MXsEK
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKVfeGvfnJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw0qB5FWVc
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5kuIvvbpN
Confusion–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0vAcdA0aj
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZAo9acHe2
**CLANG**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAPOmgf8U3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzijrerFHTI
Delusion–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoUlUGcRZa
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hzA00CDrE
**CRASH**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMtR3IWF3c
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlXwwAHDRe
All lead to one conclusion:92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjs9KpmkQF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQaQGOGKiU
**SMASH**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZPqR8CSaf
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iOaP4tzgV
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUmDQNoeaW
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9brsJ9iAbk
"...No, of course it isn't."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nZaDAOcnA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KBlKdmRLL
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJzNpmE4wR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jS8oNXVA5
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXdqrtB13Z
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCj9dooxFY
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF7qiDZB2J
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mcRyn6Zbv
**THUD**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcKS0QkV8g
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxld6LAH3Un
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07sa32JFUL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAWtCq7yvJ
"Pars!?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn8EVDW66X
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISGIKv4rKO
"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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUflDf59gT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfb0PnE1o9
"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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nKCydLD7N
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlIltMyRnb
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ54f7rBSLX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuCDL26Y0M
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkEUyJ5Zjq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScwUmOhOmn
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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYgmeM263X
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMzGZYQ31a
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wtEUYMmrU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H0gyJnmIU
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg4EsybOab
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3jlvfd5fM
"What do you propose?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5Y6XznfhP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArVuT3LQfX
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRV8HnGupS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4SonYKZS6
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycxJSpZGWM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtGuKp1PNO
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rfKUsLatD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30OZXnBGWB
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30uOEsg4gH
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8XllOD1eH
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabkwrkOhev
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3DXKbQ0p0
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVapvClf6mw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy1AhkMui6
"--Huh?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqXQXcUWW5
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpJCCf3yjE
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh3GGsXU7o
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG9lDvv685
"...Always backhanded, huh."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApE6n5HRe6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAMRrysdh7
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 laugh92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LMuyF0gDi
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc3cj7U64a
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhvKJMjHv3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPBZp7EbAu
"We likely don't have one."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS26cClpFaF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIoxM2wQOA
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI24ZWQWRbx
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vlHvN5v9Z
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGO38ErQ5Q
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntboBuVYDJ
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UhUmPNs1e
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8kHXxyUg0
"Well, if you insist."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM94aTGM6Y
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgftedShEf
–
–
–
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.
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9mmipLPff
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdzd67JnS3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gpcb5xeOI
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJrzGg1N7a
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0njpq0Nv01
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhvvpEu2i0
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6IgBAiQSE
**THUD**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SoQpPY7hv
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t9Ey2GsF6
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?92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXJVes4SsX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHUPzmdw55
"--!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza35NrkHg3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfwyQ9hs3P
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDu5c58bpb
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IiggZdrXJ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWLh1nPrnb
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZd4Gdw8vd
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–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR2JRHOLVR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaiOO5BMrJ
**SPLICE**92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqZP7NkDI5
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuBIhBqGgR
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52oH0ymU6q
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYTGzbPjp4
"I missed one."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnULz0YnTua
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpayzg7Wz7E
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoSTQWx6Ky
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIKoeFnhSF
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo34uzBcts
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucMcEWJeSs
"Hey!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvApchWUP2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcIujNLQJF
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEowC2zmBEo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8WX5wvjiT
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9TRmG18JA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXuF5I2GEx
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN07xxNMgcR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueYytn1gU5
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBbdllrkGU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wrBxGSoP2
"I never said that."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSNUEwImh7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDmZaAKkHu
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhCPSNDSYF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSDlTeddAQ
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxUfNVMU6M
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVJdJRfFdi
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0NKV0jPH7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAf5lsy6ly
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsphL0KB6C
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OHDViTOFT
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXkAc2Xd0B
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc3IeKSVjg
"Haaaa. Damn you."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvInoME03l
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnilGLXDXcs
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kiIMavL3J
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmfh4OxW5F
"They are dead, right?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xGpLJnJfm
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS2Cyf5UTb
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPVFhzG1Sl
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGQ3K8TX8q
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uvblz2zr0
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMUAgKIDrc
"I–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MTpLo3GRN
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfXeC6omBI
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUk5Q0XOLS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqgxE0AOuM
"Huh?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtuelBLg6D
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsvrnOUknx
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIhnogcq7D
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf7lalc7ZV
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGQp2J0X2a
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV5lLglyrR
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3QLBTOT71
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5K7PCf9VQ
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r2PKlduiM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTITgu6p0ZI
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVbclCFhya
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfihzp1pG0A
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1xw4knRLt
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnAotdELqz
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJN7JvCrrP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlcG3cKPi5
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt8TvJmGTR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5QVtz04E8
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvtzEzEGvo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LMUsLXltS
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJvvNmZaV4
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnYXAyzFDT
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YbmWVf53v
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdXfBPwykk
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hcofJEDRJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFr0GZsTIp
"You raise a good point."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1l5dOwuNu
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXc0hdqsWY
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBCP5uKREV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QezWOJHN2
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiUiVDdIkg
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbpwaFZs5l
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcTPMjIsQx
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN3fsYL1KZ
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUC2zabRAY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbzVRhUwmf
"Ha, abandon?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucTsKYWncA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn0WDyvB8r
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWekoyNknHX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLinGGd8KmH
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2stIuNBXjp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3chKdXphlM
"If you were, it was backfiring."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MOFPRohNk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9UdbXw36N
"Harhar. Very funny."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXUHdOpTE5
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rcW7ioifM
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTpMhPpZ76
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGh4OnjuZ9
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ66ZjyvaS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuH9j9tIZD
"Aren't you conceited."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgYPP8t02w
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QYyeUo2Y5
"You think it's arrogance?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXKPtb8WXT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSJ83UZSga
Pars began to stroke his chin.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x7yl3W9de
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB2m2LwLzV
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnUIVFmBSA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLJKhnpq1m
"But what you want isn't just greatness."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qYWvwmdHZ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9ZSyUtZxg
"...Yeah, you're right."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSSaPpsI7q
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3MHDi7P4k
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxASb9qX6g7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYAK6GU93X
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
