Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6W7EJ4ZCa
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfidTaPh68
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXV54cL822
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU50oSb50hu
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep6loQD11u
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TCMAGPGP7
"What are you doing!?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY7u6qV8J1
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzDLmGBY2m
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5CBpIBAyv
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRJ7fU4iKT
**BOOM**71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxJiXmZdcY
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykdR7COzRd
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaHci9n6QD
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzaRIpc9u0
"Ngh, damn it!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgAJ9kOcKG
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjyEAS9NQ9
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPcNBOjL7v
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYbwzVzw3O
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMtC0uK8G7
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0K7L25w5T
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNQYxdjPs6
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkV3LI26yH
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolDoSAhRw1
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfU8nyeTtX
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRCveCaEku
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVoysUMWbg
"--Damn it! Rover!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAaHBi4NR5
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIdbZCOo6R
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChotTjmomj
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoFDyCC7xS
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jQHwgINLs
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfVDt9ARUZ
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFpa1aOan6
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NMFr18Zlg
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUknZfyH4Z
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygrJGsfX42
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gKHH8V31s
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvaYC0qsOI
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGGqyNBslz
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DNXUmmKTj
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKPE53Z84f
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3JWszSnzS
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn390f6F817
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZWeo9ACiD
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj6mQqeIvv
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RLXq6yTdg
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAXrVidrCy
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20xDgKnuzw
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgllJN0Jlsa
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RI08By19z
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaXtSYGdSi
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxBAtklQ1w
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmNU9u6uGM
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevktbjAFvY
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrMoQHjPOR
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WxmSKv23f
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30UvjgCzlh
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvByICUosDB
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09qOMhVRSj
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCOOPerNnX
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQWcI3s43L
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrydB5ab2S6
"Hey, Kenny!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEbxrVn8m3
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCohpuVOWLw
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i9yqI9Wjz
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZg9ZpokTb
"I-Is she okay?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6usLq6lof
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9M78HM3At
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9Q1Eekh1T
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTJ38ZnTJZ
"I don't know what that is!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkei7Ea4mEb
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWRNj6Ig9h
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKvF7J2Zp1
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBhnxWgIIU
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OoQ9Uijyx
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ93wBcSAw7
Though, that did raise the question–71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kvKionkTJ
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1qmk8TvFu
"Do you know where you're going!?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6KjwYkNLd
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimKDVEAlTN
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu3ui8sc4t
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPewpUIcrP
"Ah– where is Dennis?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRJKx6SbAU
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18gpXkGVzQ
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zhABHReG4
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4evZoQqf21
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqG8dqIIvq
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ioIfG6ihG
"Shit."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSQE09QWVv
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3di2m7QEO
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF7ELH0Ra6
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALmpX51k36
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaWIN5I0zk
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfNIO9ElzQ
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnixkxwL93V
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2SVyYNgqX
"...Alright."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLksPHOGhK
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL0h30hoZu
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl0GtT3oTI
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmBkBsaH0z
"Alright, I'll take yer question."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl9mf7itxc
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlAIdi6OBl
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFlgwUazJL
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgVWk6K6wV
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFwhUno212
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWHdH4KsHG
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi84fpX1Egd
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMXKjqd5tA
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQnML4R2ui
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTkFH0Oo9Q
The man stopped speaking.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ArQTjsOJy
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKYQrvrtMD
"Alright, carry on, then."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDqQh2HwOo
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGPqRLc1rc
"...Eh?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenz4wB90aI
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBssEspSWB
I shared in his confusion.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ9AdLUzGO
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8N1mkjOzD
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIRQylTtDf
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI1ZXXqbjH
"I-If ya say so!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7LeqGMqyk
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlerTGZWaVo
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OrrYfjRhx
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNSpVNlgPN
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj9Lx0UbjP
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBekJkHSo5T
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizuJGUN6P0
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Xfc6mnz3
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwRtfNyat6
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9VRS5SS7P
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPtG8uVobE
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP00LujHY1s
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj62RJCYqG5
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3jQvijgPd
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXO0pOni4Y
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm9lm6DwXa
"Damn it, kid!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWZFLt9Bgm
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS47wClJ6sB
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGRQFbqvPR
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEWvuQuKnJ
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpU9SnVfJY
**SMASH**71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0e5Oc8Xs9
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkciLMMSENC
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oZSyUBb5i
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhUjaUy35q
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfDR70uZHo
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2sNZfThYY
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLUVcWP9IW
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVfOEDrOZv
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPBjLdrF84
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK9m9SWczR
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpIdNxY26F
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxUbFe8yBw
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgrzMpo82K
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VrN4xKy7K
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QrPJrc7zr
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6Jpn6ndJv
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEuP2gRVvV
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWITHysaE4d
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdTsTeJxyM
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1z0xlgNmF
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJPk6ocT62
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WMIJz4Y7M
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAmE6VBPMF
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2PwxiwSzC
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGjPuYPTJz
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDCHA8NP1n
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5FWi4xvlL
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhgiLSXrsG
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5F08PqwYJ
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJluKRmgNJI
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ML4s4POGe
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyEyY0EZfT
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIUUwT3Dlo
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5DuNr8ogz
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwswUf6yd4O
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhwIasL982
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevuEZSenvP
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TyA7VWIkK
"Like I'll let ya do that!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAekW0HguWi
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X7WmmxOGb
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXz1s5ZRy4
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpPT1qpdpf
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdKYKBw895
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPikDm02Pa
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis5SWZtLOQ
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUMLh6lLxs
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPEiRNdlbO
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcJgUsLdOB
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf7Y6bUxMm
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5NTigwXyw
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFTyfbAhgh
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzu2WHDWlG
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KsPbe8Ptb
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbprQ5Lv6Ev
"--Hrk!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g3ytCaGVx
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ7oDHjjAN
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAbgzTusHI
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oT3U94blr
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmN5rvAtKQV
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkouOXms0o
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitGOaHjjP2
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sJhU7CQqh
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS0CsEDMtY
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxohJL3vaw
"Whatever!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0hqisAp03
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eZJLp0hY3
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU3F8uicuB
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUKHuEMTvt
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04aEQ6vsYw
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOUVOjCwz1
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQPtDn4ROy
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo5dNx9Ji8
Dread, worry, guilt–71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs405KC44p
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs6jbJuKz7
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZuUdHFed7
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH289erfgRp
"...R-Right!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rlXXdvlNl
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHXAVgyP7Q
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb8bfSD79Q
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wP1QJTFqv
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzAJbKvBlv
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8qBzebjm7
**SLAM**71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5H15hp9Vg
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzV0CFyNfz
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiVxm936vD
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aW4IuiKk3
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUBzj0aB0I
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DDEEap8af
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdGa74iYhs
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7uAOm6nBD
"--Ugh!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtZXDhDXZc
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFpEDBRybf
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAupqYn7o5Q
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvvXERI4B0
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aMPvkRaIk
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTueMBykyS
**SMASH**71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdHruu2E8g
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1odhBAsbz
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw9LzgtLch
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rWpFh4SGB
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm505W5E6B
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs8VOoiOpQ
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ti9TiIRYZ
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3f54gtka5
"Ah! Sorry!"71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83aTVdgcnt
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQifgHQ33Y
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4CbkY0MBF
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCxOrtoPBI
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu4tDkleJC
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb3mtXTPAK
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6At6j3aOP
"N-No, that's not it."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbULQ0l6PSv
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAJLiGEN31
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu05EpW6R0A
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5XdJSEbtI
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RobePlPdr
71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG87ta0JUIf
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
