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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigt0joLEI9
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdQvow6Psf
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTpm0P6HK8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVVKCnLmRz
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLujAyMmIkb
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5PyeceMet
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36o5wmCfOD
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeiIv1ej8E
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDysvPJuix
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtjQPMNW9D
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiGgiRzHHv
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxrHtq8bZy
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFZCqaYtVt
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayD3K159n5
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypqHPx8f8i
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXiupGZoRy
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Ugl71FoW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB9lSmHytU
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdHMU1dHQx
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wAiuuRsaj
**BOOM**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgKQp1YNUa
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGdi1KWOGV
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZDpEv6D5F
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHiucFaqET
"Ack!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXRHmFlcm7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZo4eLq943
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtp7k6LXW7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjGm5lUWUn
The room was a catastrophe.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYVLG6RzCt
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1Tzd5dQdR
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6588VVG4w
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG3Sx2pFbc
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4S5pl2EDU
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAIfkMhdW4
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9bD2dK4Ze
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHVHbIkvv3
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1oq1WByGZ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVujXkHQMpH
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLot5oCO70P
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s3JSX3GbT
**STRIKE**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzMAKrXQfD
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH90lCDwbDO
–only to be immediately interrupted.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3HZXFMoYR
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0vlPDIgfd
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFYN2TinOe
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmgPMcKX3p
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBiNf1NKyo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1YkjzJ8Wq
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElh9sWc9Kp
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNFWuwRRuC
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo0sX2ZFnF
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkaxGxIVg0
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePoNSPtjlE
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ5URzwS4e
"C'mon!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4ugJYHtYE
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWGML6Z498
"--Ah!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJnewufoqa
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv2dctE9TI
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVy89twzbQ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zcbvtbiPx
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEl8vq2k8s
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz3WKqC9vx
–
–
–
What a moron.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZzCp1gM4E
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUpfyU7AfI
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsFBcc7ErS
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIy688BUiu
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UBdp34mjT
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduC5pkO1ZI
**THUD**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aZuuLG5F4
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiBr68KlEj
"Ngh!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYkvfGZ7Ar
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡursMuWWF1N
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxyKPS6yZx
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebj1Y1PD5c
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo6AgOMfss
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeAHqVzJ7M
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjFXRM4xdO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R5Ju1ux54
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh1ivQcyMF
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZqihYVjmY
"--I should've known!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlDIR8LE3N
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArAIE0nPUp
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjw3wOzqjp
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbN7Cx4heI
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX8mOR20H0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VzxVKSiz7
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6KG2CFqGV
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32r1WdvJsm
"DAVE!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTquckYYejl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmnMARHJ99
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87wkmDXCeh
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HMScHtUOa
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgje1WoNUz
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e5W0p5GBE
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.
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDn4FBN2zL
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb2WPCKHey
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSvoVeM4pV
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTPECIuHtg
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XZe5OuQCv
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeIkYCrViC
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQL6lcAiDy
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8Ckf7sC73
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRAOMrx1Jt
"...Those are our first casualties–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49v4nYY4B5
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7o1GnGvOq
**BOOM**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1MZgl6oxq
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9Jm1VCeA4
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMUiaJ4dXm
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QB3MqlvHo
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjfVTEMIrL
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAMYuvoPc7
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd7WlGO2SO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPxMluLUV3
"I'm here now."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHanZBnsh2
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyfeLILskm
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJlg91D34D
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Es3bE2N5
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz2A0XM3SM
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAqwUdS6Rw
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ8AfR3TYo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YqXtTfAtV
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBL8Q5pW2M
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueKNkF2nFd
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7Fg5Ije2O
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriPhr3YiP1
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuynjmqRslt
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGWcRE2AkI
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFESfPjUYy7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwxUbA2F5T
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsnyi8ucQP
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT2l5rb4Qg
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tSkn8eOXk
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq861wo0Um4
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerVzGK1c4g
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN6lVdXLy4
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jK0hene61
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeGJb5bvKt
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioFdK00J8C
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQheq9t6Uk
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajRqIvp3jU
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45a6NnbQdh
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8anyAFcwoE
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH0iCCYwD6
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPGAQNtu2W
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrZE4xVvrI
**BOOM**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ45upZEhp
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcKwMax6Gy
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYiTANGylr
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHkJ5iqWSe
"Pars!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn6UUyw7AC
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7WrZV8km1
"Huh?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRgTHjUCwm
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXNRqYf9te
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb96WeBV0W
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKOTkss4ai
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzFlvUozXo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkjujjj3wX
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR1OjzLIPz
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrHKbMKckn
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJKq0kbgAR
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatDR6pDMlX
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5vkuXlDer
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYd7IRtsMG
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMuPCjLA1J
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YAlr6qlwl
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YVvxM064z
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrztsvrAjo
**CLANG**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D4land6t0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rZNVilXct
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu21Tbak7NZ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwyPu1wlEn
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6cgSN7q2m
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiCEO7dj89
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco9yE1htbE
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3yo8J0z3l
**SLAM**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48Aed1zyNO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7r1fPMWsx
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu8un1N7me
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW7OOUkNJO
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4fsfvyiqt
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwIinJuyJG
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3737kiBSl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UXb8glPLf
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG4QUB5WNs
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPipiXJouz
"Ngh! Shit–!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHUtw9eueD
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlBFJFWmq4
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwS7SS9aTm
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeCUXVzTRZ
But then–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyqAYdx2zz
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw6xRJSjSW
**BOOM**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcCHTbfFPM
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC58L4n9gZ
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7npgFW5DDr
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCv2AKoTaX
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3QLHlSFQw
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgPCvTqMvp
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9KQt3MnLO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAg47Bgaqd
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW9bJrgYpN
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBAXWITplj
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gwIGksTKC
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7DR0c3mSD
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXXq2BTU35
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeJ2SbwePC
"Gah–! You scared me!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4ziXafdAB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12lOkSPK2T
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0ED1SuUWW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUUa4CZOHZ
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakDvMD31a9
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtB2L6Iz0O
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn25AnQkZ8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLhEeEWCtt
"No, this is terrible."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli4nPIiaJu
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwJJcKX0U1
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9UTaaHgvL
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM7hTzr88Q
"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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NTSg2JHyg
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKQpg9Hkgq
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpm9bO3Mut
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdjqd6xdjF
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXXHcEgQuX
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLH9FsLRJU
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O1HcWS6L6
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3upToIYjv
"No. No suggestions from you, please."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYY4FRrYLI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGjFls7eHq
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDdukAzd8D
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGexPKtXgl
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBLXDNeuwx
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFmrmxysbj
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXHJllOzBN
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7pqIdE8mg
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxHrZccTwS
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0wXK7eaWE
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX1V29hWVj
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH7pu7Y0Um
Still, no response.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlMBkG4ONJ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfQoAaPFlF
"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–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfRX7QcaUW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmG7h4c7P5
"Because you're entirely incompetent."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdgxS59ja8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRa0FEnCQB
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8owpq5WGM
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N28lMfkgE
"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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SiaOoPbkI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBDrdrlmBY
"..."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0C6I31yus
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKQRV5Lqgu
"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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ormr9WbV7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrKfGqnYO1
"..."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6LTbMZQGU
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mblkmPkp9
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7rV8gusvN
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbIZBqHBHu
"What?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B6wAromHb
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCXGGPdKd4
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNfKpgC1B0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MfU2TKJ5Y
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zYxGnke2E
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS3QVLu29f
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4T5mzc3Db
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGyrHTm6c2
"...I see."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ESrfdpOeB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyPYfqp5jQ
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0ZJUoJxK7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTNODFXoZy
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3OFTuP4k8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrL7k0OrbZ
"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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOQJtkRNd0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKGZXfsrqa
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsrMNkrlr7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7canQr0rC
"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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmPdZcfKvb
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpolIQCEACt
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPOJVNqns8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVvI0N0lS9
"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–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqMKyNKeaJ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQod2HtSMxB
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3CiOofdrh
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy9V9ANX9Q
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY4E21JWrM
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs1p1MpihC
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:91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K7wSHJhnr
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ303RVwQRyc
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg1OZ59GTt
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjypXAS4Yf
"Alright!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6owwVyJTEw
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIVNJI8M02
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX738v1QiB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtASM6PSFRl
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JdHPbjdWM
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOmwKI6VKW
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xVhFtfjxE
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOjjhpw3XU
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFA3YI5qFP
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSJQN5fB7Z
–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwjbuULL81
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWx9CxIO7x
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06S8QEX0fK
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjseR7LyyV
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8Kble3IRd
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnoDIq854E
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUrtraPfBi
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSseyKNmaIp
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDShyOCj3t
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu8T5iSlJk
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6gM2qBuWY
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB73gypq5Z
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CzuuK1Fvk
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv1VVnuxtL
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe3wOWl9zc
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtMZKLD98d
"--No!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvyl3rb9Hw
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGIhwsBlq4
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgqHK5QRdN
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuO8Bu1ht5
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpquGgeEVE6
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlF4iKNole
"Hyua!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUau2GdUTQV
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUajrBXNHA7
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5FKb1GXK8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEurJed7ly
However, he did have another sharp object.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotaidBH2SC
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Vd0UeSDC
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvJkJFOArx
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmyH0ZOhWD
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBAcUTT22c
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MUdlzZCqT
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFLGfZ8vZ7
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIsE1xcdlC
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBPaC7Lccl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wnhMzOGMu
And what came was–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvLPvcqfsT
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBAT4YdhwX
**BOOM**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdq435UnZu
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGU6HqXIZA
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WSKPTq6IA
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXLfL9PeFr
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtvCu3non9
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJanrBvySGH
"--oop!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWEzta1cHl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5X6Kw542e
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIRKL22DAV
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdEyX2KV1d
"You... you're a sick jokester."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96PJflqyC8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgafKNhYwP
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ4ASTUVJm
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId91jiUH95
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mACuHhjms
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s4uHQKRDz
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOftcNQLRW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4COK4ohE8
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZwGXbahwy
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyRRaJgVNO
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQPwtCz4CO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0LswvhdPz
"What the hell... what the hell!?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmP7roRxC0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskzioj32wV
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouKDQdwYak
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz6sDNrTuV
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHDgCQ2Irg
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae9WRfgZbv
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj15NFuOWQj
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADMwVxjcDT
"...Heh."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEz39hCIfP
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGphnpicQd
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzkU6xHVog
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg4EEoTpN1
–
–
–
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMLXi59HI9
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1MNnDTODl
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHk7zo4ELc
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkhiJCuBhT
**THUD**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwZdNnH55T
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtKvN4MIzi
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPV4I5fAHo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYzRTV8K3r
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BeO8GjIJH
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKIubf6Vfk
"Though I have to wonder–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgoMrjOy7x
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJZEaESGJJ
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEVKzhsyLB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5AhhoG46i
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdunUbXRrAV
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ8YlMbawf
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1uMYIIe2I
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9G3Goz4Bd
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmzGidGmWP
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4XhoVkMjH
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYhb4DY8pA
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MYK4N2WxJ
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.
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dNyJ59Yol
"Irritating...!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZgZjySmdH
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeuMibdO4U
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw1wzNxMVl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlS6TA3D3L
Dave didn't like to use spears.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RvP6Xa8T4
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9Bo9dXFrr
"...Haaaaa."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPY5vmomZf
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe04UNVKku
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPAKE2cDbu
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJv57XzdSB
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IsA2Y8XqE
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7WLITdeKF
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe43I8gufI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYhUjyzBsO
That's what he always told himself, at least.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr0XknHHGD
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYudzerbU02
**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**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI3yxtPdwn
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FQ3tvjh2l
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8yDiarTSB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcUQ25dpaO
**CLASH**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6Gw8nYfzJ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLaBrmAV5j
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**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVOZkLVStM
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBEVtRVUni
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?91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSXm55rurT
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAqrrdCJP7
**CLASH**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DgRrWEcmb
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYAXjXi2GU
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbyJh44G4B
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUxRMNwozf
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hD0TfH0NB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCsrQn3WlB
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQvAacmXLZ
Confusion–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup8ciQzjOH
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH5Xig5OVM
**CLANG**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATugqYh2jf
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q4hnjRDqn
Delusion–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYkwbq2Ctu
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGv4gV3Izo
**CRASH**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28hrpLVEoq
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxxf0lqdsU
All lead to one conclusion:91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqLrs3cv1W
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOPDlaLqRB
**SMASH**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzlVWWJbnQ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCb6nA2Eu0
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEtsDWXwkZ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ30NfwiSV
"...No, of course it isn't."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGSn2ze8B8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAx9UxsZ8l
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccuAYDlKHP
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxtC0yflcn
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXXWpTvZGf
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9PGTltGxq
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYfzvBGdM4
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5DHLfC2e3
**THUD**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe92TGHrhsv
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgYDor6hqp
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcy5rpuNjL
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG9XpxaioU
"Pars!?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdMcFPW2oK
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptyZhsgUFk
"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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZcA0txYlI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIVczbYiLV
"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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshwAAd002Z
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nsfSurx4w
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q3lwBHY11
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdE0CAEWlB
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzygz32QHU3
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbow2goeLVO
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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizYUg2z9vd
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLSYqsVSxQ
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHBLMdVffW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cGvrxw8hY
"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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpfV2noYV1
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqeLqogDk5
"What do you propose?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUSxZwqgyb
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYHzAaDBj9
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmle7d8BWQ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGOQbN8uLv
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFiJ3LBAjG
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSBM3E7aKv
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcChiwh9St0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0FNAE3Ir8
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMaETLTzkJ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmDiWn5oDa
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s415Fsbm8
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZYIbuF20x
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz3S8Je4kK
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboA87Ml7Nl
"--Huh?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnezTf2LMl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrYu9cXOkK
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoo3vBBqV3
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV43MRsaBXe
"...Always backhanded, huh."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNQeIwOCmf
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB44QE8YZjn
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 laugh91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lUe5Oyk8q
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYNsliG58z
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQKy5sw67Y
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktLzySrfs7
"We likely don't have one."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMF6fDZQEs
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzJiDcNrq4
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZyi1ek6JG
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajMJn0KSr7
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0XHIrMaSO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs67EDJhgg
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqvJlBIBQo
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7hlN9ATj2
"Well, if you insist."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g81mYtZYf
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJmhgtZmxm
–
–
–
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.
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOYmbeoMRd
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFJFTS3qvZ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMunSy08nL
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqgwWAHu59
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvit3xPrU2
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdsRH4ZTE5
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnQ4PN61nv
**THUD**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAp6BMkmmE
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3DXLZ3eag
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?91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukJ1S3Vh8T
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWol5Wyq953
"--!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN1DfGiw9L
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SFxANefcH
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmisXrqJMuW
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdcOlwNKd4
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0BfHZzRR0
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH43dKSaY6
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–91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsncGrf9gD
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWBsKeyTVA
**SPLICE**91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4TU6RixNw
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSbGPXfwbf
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu10A6aoRAL
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fjeoG4YjB
"I missed one."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmU0Dv8u4R
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00TYYFfH8q
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb7BGt7wsy
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAezoHffuAf
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JN47UzfQ5
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFtts33VOj
"Hey!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEZn8nJf11
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQQ0ALyZWG
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBCPqHLesB
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXrMzFxYIG
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LIbIHETxx
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0MJOxiVnl
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhZ2Bsjsei
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73BpuN9StW
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR3OlL32fm
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlx6fIfuvW
"I never said that."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuJghh340y
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7sycucYNx
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIz03nTdeD
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6kIjxF2Q9
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGYl15HfGO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNmiBtMRjy
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHlaWUlHyl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHieE4NElI3
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OPUeo44d1
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBknMbXP3Y
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdA6TL9myT
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8L7aM05FD
"Haaaa. Damn you."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvauovzTWv
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd3wUV3v5M
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquTZn6wFzr
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFUOd6rflt
"They are dead, right?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk4zsS3kAY
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8nWzZTfUd
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyXKdQL5QF
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCzo8X1z6Z
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aKOD3rylS
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAazWSuDyvj
"I–"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblGAfpuDaX
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0xkGRylcK
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSwScadBbI
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JBJDkaHPu
"Huh?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGQafSc1mY
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LpMpTVhWi
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y3F52kefP
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ528Q1a1cDm
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZFAXEAM8W
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz7LPkhrRQ
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkou4PpH3Q
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTY1Z0Yyu8
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5qce8zdP5
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsgkVIEuNK
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsGM9uGxbm
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CFOB1d5qf
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrffMWTrFwj
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1evku5UeZ
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.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl3o6kXz0z
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeUjbYaiJB
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6hL9YS3vZ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDoamQFhuh
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC72XwOOQZS
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuQXMxGHwl
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EaTw9nelh
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PQoNuavTR
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EVFcOczol
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpTPKpvOE2
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7yRvsl2oZ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXUciv0AXi
"You raise a good point."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51bxrjRzAX
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8dsSRyukG
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEj2IRw2Sq
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6bl47Mot7
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLpMvS0ND4
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IR8S8hFCI
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSFWF7sORr
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xr7HSKqbS
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTWuMfVUgT
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6jmteSOfe
"Ha, abandon?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO9irF15Fd
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagPbmMzFK0
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRundlIJO4S
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYCHu6Q5ZH
"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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbfb7lkHvS
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCF4R8kST6
"If you were, it was backfiring."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCDuLBLXtO
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTsKYrYQJf
"Harhar. Very funny."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjBLftu6lm
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqkKCkP7AQ
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pL4Re6qCl
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr68Ja7twD
"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."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7h2Wrd0pq
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VmaN0EN7U
"Aren't you conceited."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMn6uy0fc1
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqsWCrelTx
"You think it's arrogance?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOCql62wMC
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbkVeO9YZP
Pars began to stroke his chin.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22WC04CX6W
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3169oYqyl
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCXeMpvjQ9
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImfy73H2k4
"But what you want isn't just greatness."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86P2Wxpe6g
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpyELsmdJq
"...Yeah, you're right."91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcnug5dyCQ
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IUzOCyYK6
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjmDE0Fgw1
91Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdqAZczAn6
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
