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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiT1utMzoY
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7DEGtTDSS
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dbx2rG0IP
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JcBsJuPnD
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RiE368MuK
"What are you doing!?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkJVxfN6y6
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCkFgDT6RX
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoEAJregoH
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39NEDCOZJq
**BOOM**106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1TP3d1dsp
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8x0QXU0nR
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedDyGlR1tp
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdtk3uEogb
"Ngh, damn it!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRGVaQwluI
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jec4fImyV
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ65DtzmKj
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg9Tlqorab
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49WYAMfiAb
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn9hyTiTDP
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWfwbhK9lK
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmihk6W9BE
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcxoB6HXRB
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7UQn8OYXa
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1J6BMOETW
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcuWgZFsHu
"--Damn it! Rover!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6toNouFDM4
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZo5D31MkA
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pvnE94gWT
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf1IN6ukdu
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5HUtP0OZc
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXy2qQFvXN
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRe4EshKPQ
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCJgyAmJOO
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW595uj57L
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyEvbbucfp
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarJHESgi9S
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTjnghuiLR
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq17WnwsE0
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G0cPdHG7b
"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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdqI6cyabX
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQczmKGY7m
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTj6nHwyNi
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbFQf0opqO
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNsuWNf4sa
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmSvg4CtdF
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1SUlG0HSU
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCeyRNgtrq
"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?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApSeZDTL2F
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhtiEFgwCZ
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZZgI0AHji
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S5sVvbJPV
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX79BXedBS
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzgGhw1TUq
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRQF8ixD4J
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzteizmgAC
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RiQJfbvAT
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2P38QiDdX
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFixvd27Q0g
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIdKnFrWsc
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDghOKewNoY
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1gBO5a1yT
"Hey, Kenny!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNENkKEnRT
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAQA0ZQKNw
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK3UMZflC7
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AfpZZAbd7
"I-Is she okay?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVPt1qT9Oz
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZLONzQ0Fu
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiaFPzfPyZ
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14hZueYuDl
"I don't know what that is!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu01Y2zBGV2
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XshHDJXxf
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8KUFh8iVA
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f2WzETnBI
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatIbH9Dp9D
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApfe1AZVf5
Though, that did raise the question–106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDXtQdfCWy
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDvOcbjMSQ
"Do you know where you're going!?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGdtk5Yjo1
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMOCJp9buK
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYYRyZ2oFf
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIvmgG7eNR
"Ah– where is Dennis?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyxlg5VL2I
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkSfDhrEew
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlF4r0hGG9
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUp67ggCozP
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–106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjCxHbO1jI
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnazx0ECNK
"Shit."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW7J5aFmwn
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCrj8Yr6aS
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguts9uj43f
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gfa0DuZDK
"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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyI4hKy9Mm
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSLwOGWCgi
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDFdMZyHQu
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HIj5Q67Hp
"...Alright."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6asBfdsp3
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRHXibbJSL
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KD3vmFmtL
"Alright, I'll take yer question."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU07Jn4Umk
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4EiZMPt7t
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutaXz9Nvqk
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVmuDSUTr8
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48Z7Dl9sUe
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCfr7XaZIK
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7AtuQD2fr
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOtWE9ru0m
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvkwYwmzNe
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMugGwFOss
The man stopped speaking.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrPsnfOO3I
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"Alright, carry on, then."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yqFvLn6cQ
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpum9jvKjHU
"...Eh?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTueJLwhVwH
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpoQwsp4WH
I shared in his confusion.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEr9AP4g9L
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTJEevbKup
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRDie0vTkl
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoir6qqLSc
"I-If ya say so!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjvJ0Y2gOs
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKFlViVtS6
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–106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLRxeK6cYd
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwEz3PKMF3
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnXXIF6F3W
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmMRQG6pSH
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LfTy0T5DV
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7RYtqOtIv
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssHQlTYxPL
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH5nmiXj6B
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlB4av0sYd
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTfIPfuD7r
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeMFEzug4S
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIlfp37X2q
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluya8YdXYa
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsxEI6ndSW
"Damn it, kid!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8spxln8yFi
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWYtqSbrKc
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.
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyu7j1eaqy
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjja8uUbvu
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg17oXo4OLM
**SMASH**106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFaQP2Ew66
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx5M2apeET
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRivySgr4uo
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V0ww8xvcH
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65UoNYdrwn
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs40gBr46K
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUutwQBbkb
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGUJK159S4
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3hv9qchYx
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRLF5jx7Oo
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv4Ph34Jg1
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYkTXSMuLf
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnDpOhhgOs
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf5iD2lv0n
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnKPDmALm0
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSexcWglHOf
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRqqidEIum
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP5EwEyDCo
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD0yusOveS
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgpAyAdi52
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkkcglW2xw
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlmFVMytMd
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEipSVbZShb
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuRVwVQxWi
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQFM4354sx
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyZKBvqI3i
"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."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPFTX8z43a
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYFQ1JoZEz
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54Wdnx87rH
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIjvqJsGEJ
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbROMvM1DR
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOBLAma5lh
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ652gQGWSLi
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDY3pAvB14
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfcEQpbjtS
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHbxOqRoOD
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsj5EmEwBO
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQU2Ycbgf6
"Like I'll let ya do that!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMlrauJCJ5
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJRNANKTDy
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8rxH0Vepy
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokFXSsIOUX
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhDwtFXAvP
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8vAGJ8dhA
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblZTQYGVPW
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnYtYNkeno
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF51YC3KRr8
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAtk3pTUGr
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwQyEk6p5Q
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LzxurSQRa
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFdoe6Tnrx
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLWdaIfjHw
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq6CdK98iN
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL5nhHv1Wi
"--Hrk!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9fNs5gZWv
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxtzis8cC0
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tdG48vKxH
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiq7lLvJhH
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWboDQ3ulAp
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC7tkowMcm
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb2t4v8MK3
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcIUHlaups
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkMBEQSPlJ
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu73kwBA9vy
"Whatever!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkcBIpghk3
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJmUecqkJn
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08jFXjLaxq
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXWIg66hBX
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaBzBbWrLb
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaxXjKaLQz
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVTmw2iOQ5
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZYjFCO5lA
Dread, worry, guilt–106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdIXc8tDTj
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1QSMFsKbg
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcx32iGuLz
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOWVrla6AX
"...R-Right!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZlVompWut
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcECI1tUH3s
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUACjtF2vX
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVMZMESWSv
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG7M0fQiP2
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGnzjLnqyj
**SLAM**106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLq7KVFzaA
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSyVyO2wvQ
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowlOvBDWQr
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf67QYa00Ak
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn0Rn8fS0K
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidDtWixOa5
"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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CaT9AwPvw
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvQwWutEgD
"--Ugh!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0iQ3jFkcs
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmbA2sNQvK
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y9w3iQat2
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n4NRz97Uk
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp67oXLQ1ID
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7YWPQRvZW
**SMASH**106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCuRkVxfse
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4tGfZEhah
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n7uKAmo3J
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4y6h6D9lv
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsROB4E9vcB
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3qEEfKJsw
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZulhX0fVz
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEC37E0a8f
"Ah! Sorry!"106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLvuQ4nyTK
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzAlxdxiHk
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjkRlsqVsV
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PhJ8W0MQp
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl3g7bypwm
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGESyJk4mS
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh72wKqmTYi
"N-No, that's not it."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8J8gChijx
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMiA8P3d1A
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.106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJBIRoQlNm
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvisQMeBJG
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IjfJ78jEq
106Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWtkt5pekg
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
