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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EdlWSZkk2
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7bplF0r3R
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp9VrSKBZl
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYut1VtHUI
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBerlhNaW3
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What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHE1ONaMPp
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKHdk5tAj3
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOYCuHK4cG
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRk2aJKtfe
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvISQssZCZ2
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tgCKVSGYA
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWL3PqcPgl
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkkPQxcwSG
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIgsHIQuDq
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GDOk5lg8F
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeuBmWKHBg
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdIDDdhuWl
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzslQU9snl
**BOOM**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbgEsIe9G8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNZvWJrvZp
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyTncxyJPm
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTZKRiji80
"Ack!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPiKKA4bkI
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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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYerUSVnzLc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCf2zmJn89
The room was a catastrophe.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxDflc0tet
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LnQBmZ8sl
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jwOHCpoxN
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbYntaXVYM
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E3IW3aYmp
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuQ76vYJuZ
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVel3Fh0LH0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY6IKyirZa
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPB4A3UF2Z
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyldBHf4R6Q
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFKNqd6S9N
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtv8fwVcUbK
**STRIKE**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplImBhlRVQ
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–only to be immediately interrupted.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8aI74chZf
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXX2zzEji1
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz697rPTv0F
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtey7zVkO8A
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQg62j1aod
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIbo3mTnIx
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34uguKRWF7
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjbup19iyS
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnqgpZuaYo
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3cyrD5Bmv
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe17ewR0my
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"C'mon!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfa0hjNpUB
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"--Ah!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneBwwBrKr4
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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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKswJ2a9bO2
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I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBDuXlXS02
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–
–
–
What a moron.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55gxxsCMH1
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQX1PSugZA
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiiQERtVX5
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmljTqty1t
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY91G1IpOL
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphc3nLjvaO
**THUD**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92HSGJsv3W
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"Ngh!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h63Coh7td
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That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwO6yJ88V3C
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JqE2z0JZx
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg84grijZH
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2o1hWaLFP
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxDTcCDsxt
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PMjVxp5Pf
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF35SGSYef
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"--I should've known!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnDEIXDZbZ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6caZIwPcV
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8hEWa6yMC
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp6JfaPSMv
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJdkUOwlFa
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQnVS58s6p
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZjunQawUm
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76M6ZBtcer
"DAVE!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxbyq8IDvx
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipTAuDDVe7
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie71XW8JpX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf9jBrmPSm
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq32FQ7VIk
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q2AofYtje
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.
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAW6JCLX0a
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWlOWNvwPZ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEJlaCpHNG
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G43DVWGeg
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKePy4zf2V
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJvgitJ90P
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjQuHJ8WVC
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBNBZHXacr
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"...Those are our first casualties–"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue6pJpl0S1
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueQJcsZOHf
**BOOM**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhk2QRCCMp
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkDo1HtlZ9
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDOw765FM2
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcrqNvp1cZ
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS43Mw8QGZj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUxJjGZJYY
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOgptOq7HJ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRBnoDF1sh
"I'm here now."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoApP0mCIKS
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKj9MWL8e9
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvMqmzKd39
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSbGedDlMY
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPjhrKPEOy
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsbdeJTI8V
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9vVyKMQXo
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxvH7tfGeL
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf0Rxfw66K
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGvUfhJR6q
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By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39kG8jmr0J
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmbW8EhPdY
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SfVOFD8Qj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G5nToXoav
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72c0ThSClx
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBItdEyE7A
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfky8mxEZQa
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"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMzo61mhGy
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchh62cyKQ4
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNGINU21Oj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUYci5w1Q1
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ud7KOgzPf
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsIpwtLMJn
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU996gQwNP8
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But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSXZTsY5Lg
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFnIaq7xIX
**BOOM**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKHLWl9R4Q
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aNmwc1Nub
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdioHyYFpW
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"Pars!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0RAM1ei1W
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"Huh?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKZxoyUSlA
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRSzLTsio6
–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3OT8alZf3
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2JwKUmZi1
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDPeKX1Brn
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It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5TYVW4lew
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwVnNV9Efy
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP0HwDPtn9
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3pfZ0Bg8v
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5KQ6MROVc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a1rJ2vZSl
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAjEn5Juoe
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOnfvZFdm5
**CLANG**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wuwOSBnlR
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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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsg6834D6G
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOrDTgMLob
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYOgSbLcT4
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiUrrjHcLt
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnlqtZwUm0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHsoxvNUIN
**SLAM**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKazqPzNx7S
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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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkSVfFmSwG
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ8MRdBelj
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmzDHjSAkd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBXrLOaGKB
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaUcJocv05
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEMsZWpDK7
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C4iIZhvuS
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6kbFm8ExW
"Ngh! Shit–!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8j1hoslQB
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kF86Bwvq6
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuydbGsMXku
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But then–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5xw2SlZ0z
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ7y5gTW1A
**BOOM**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrDLGY0Fpl
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvigGjCfx6
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWXKf7koDY
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCwkJPkjpc
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZCnAEI935
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADV5yYX540
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Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoiSqL9tRr
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DByytRI28
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2sg1dPkBc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmurae9VYXj
"Gah–! You scared me!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBtN1WiGcC
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRU7H6Ui1v
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRbmFMOA7Z
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWqeINEmIm
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M2GHqEBcD
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamv0troOX4
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvpaRfzsIU
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"No, this is terrible."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxXowYHJet
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuCFo3U8s1
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q1jxlNYPY
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdufcPKeog
"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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA5UWxdGbl
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpODkL2neG
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KMzuiVf71
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lGdFpB5CP
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5HqQLuzbD
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBWV0hp62n
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqMr0sBAu4
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV441PFyLP6
"No. No suggestions from you, please."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPDteh7aSP
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYgqZidmYs
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtroDnTiTLy
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ574a0fSul6
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwewJW1JC6
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXrwUwK77R
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN1kISYBOS
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm9FnS5zId
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpnShTutcs
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5thSymg6SI
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2BOfM9COt
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gxR285a6c
Still, no response.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1m3AeKXb9
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6BmlUWp9D
"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–"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9HiFP2sMs
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbwvtSltmN
"Because you're entirely incompetent."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIOH4LloCM
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPgTzu5Tcb
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tncImxfh9
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3dxkny5nB
"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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b3af1DWZ2
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerJUpox5LZ
"..."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVMDffZMrp
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EMaszQaOe
"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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaN0qnabc5
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneadgNUSD1
"..."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4uOtaW8vm
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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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57EowjpREX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0DEhlLttS
"What?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz2tbpJFO0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98q9V4hK5e
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRLLoPshON
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjbEulltFl
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2BqkIAV9j
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWhDEHXMkO
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7prywOe8s
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"...I see."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqCthbuJL4
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM6kENxUHk
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX7lQNUlvt
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNGcA5wV74
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM04zeNHha
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmelQqP2XPh
"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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8SuGtSDMf
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMV7TQlz0Q
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgK6jXzpT7
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8bdXiw0KN
"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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYhKMNypeQ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7z7iKrKtD
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriZWk3EB5d
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgHUdhDIa8
"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–"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHR8C5IGDX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLnqv1qpjG
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOuqxfRFjq
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEULo13XNVm
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs97bRWsyg5
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOILMSMhfz
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:121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUP6s6eGUg
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXqSPv1dcH
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dAMeYvbaO
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYi3DflsRN
"Alright!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM96FFtxVG0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eysbmsdsy
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7wRU3jbjo
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbGPkXuqDg
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCsvuqVduJ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hSJD7FvEf
–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYgk86LvJg
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SvjyWIium
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdsV5jOlqA
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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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC0KopzFGF
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEO2tgqb8i
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew5TQV2LVG
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgvFnUWtyS
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvnH1dSaBc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVtpYKcYDa
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7BF53RPJm
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4SkC8GgSy
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PHukC3xWy
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTy5OGDIG6
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvPFcTKL8n
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrAie4KOJS
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjnzTsQlAI
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q5ZziEElJ
"--No!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG06ZqYta1P
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2OgFlwEUh
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Nfq4q0001
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ygb309JNc
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNiTw7YWQd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIilOG0ndX
"Hyua!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKwoAdg1lQ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBHTJORlnO
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm53AD0gBuJ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1LSSo9tYl
However, he did have another sharp object.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhqqWQxYeh
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoJA6c2Llt
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgX4iRVVIs
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6JrfFyOPp
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RxFsfeICA
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlaoT9DYI7
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAv8IvpqZ7
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfioXZlaUOh
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWvV9aVzyo
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBe1LJyRgi
And what came was–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkO4YY996f
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe1IdwRG1A
**BOOM**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4eKTyVet8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeJlYJkUME
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBNd14AFgC
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVwYciVYto
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ96hnfN2RD
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn0IyGKThy
"--oop!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UR63I7KHt
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7SQwBZOrD
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbpFYQR5aO
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Vk1rc04M
"You... you're a sick jokester."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ZvrRRQC8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgCKgn6F67
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFiPoslYTo
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Bsq9D1CNf
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7iyXzJN7U
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIdNy2A7me
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl3FfrSrhI
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVvRFkvFAi
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMii9e2avi
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z7dWK6ryR
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3EaTg4UtP
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBTDAjvbPv
"What the hell... what the hell!?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DSyPnSTqH
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm506bt4ysO
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEyYWbjXAc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEt6LiGUu4
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNITpV65UU
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjnvjFwJpL
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk93Q2qO5g
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNqA6rqr3N
"...Heh."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnmb1kVlyF
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJOzx9pa9f
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvCDqQoekM
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvS4CZJYtr
–
–
–
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiIlWsT8su
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TIaWncmyI
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SKbQCiatz
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnt0Cz0pTv
**THUD**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCREzGkJwF8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUdRhif6NV
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHX7D985sY
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ACq719FTd
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz80Vw0j8OV
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHvMhByUYk
"Though I have to wonder–"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCTKiLbAId
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eWWCoZ0EE
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYNcqV7Zla
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYJro3bXdm
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2VHoJ5DyQ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KGXN4KVu5
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVMy8GAZaN
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVVLKQHejf
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmRBAI5wMk
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRQDvLB8kU
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOGWpIrZfq
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZu0o2CMSM
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.
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaeV70vd8e
"Irritating...!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6iJ2Evrbv
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83WQ8xlroc
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdKV3ZAPL1
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgyzX12wFQ
Dave didn't like to use spears.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CT7PNqOvJ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rjRVXuaNZ
"...Haaaaa."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSjOY1kwIu
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86ag8TUzMe
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNHYiFbaks
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc2TTGSeaE
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1u98Z1LKE
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcEKpJ9VYV
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4cJw9MnTS
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That's what he always told himself, at least.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApX4FT322I
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizvRhXXE78
**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**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtZeGphydL
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYaGkn7Q2D
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs8WPWmBlS
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jFB6K9gUi
**CLASH**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrk5mD9UHq
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutCSSqJ4IV
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**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uISixPNgP
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsXTNth1Rc
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?121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6apZMdKvdY
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y8mjjHUHM
**CLASH**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd6dZVqaBd
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdAJDPSPmY
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8ZLELyvUi
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxVi6sSBTy
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNoE1WGI2Y
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlu1K9Pk86
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue4j6dXdwM
Confusion–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklYCApb8MP
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqzeLHpdTO
**CLANG**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrKASidnfE
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03qmyIzulJ
Delusion–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpbj76Pvoi
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mf0B8aywH
**CRASH**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRoiO7bPDc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGnKrN3vpw
All lead to one conclusion:121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BFnfecTau
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttyB9YegmR
**SMASH**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcq8uOl25H
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30f5SmfbG2
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBXypZBBIk
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6HvAsuZOQ
"...No, of course it isn't."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphUGCsaMPj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQlKcwDQj2
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm29LSZ4i2
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI45hfxS66R
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyYwXQZXfX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPD277ll8r
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g0L3A9ZIg
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNJwE7MS3S
**THUD**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJXX3vCnUk
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzAK6lC3EK
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfhoz1aLEk
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4KgdMdS0L
"Pars!?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qSKptoUsX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI2Fg2DNtH
"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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeQABfgeDG
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlQ93kOF9r
"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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7chhrM0b8
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTaFGj0Gs2
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8xGH9YYsR
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l0DbKRels
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgrYaWWBVV
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ0cGfrFI9
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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBq2oGW8Ys0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4EymK3et7
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqihcDqDkIZ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7TR8MWRWM
"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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDUs8ZUa1K
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgbPuCVoKR
"What do you propose?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL1CU0ny4T
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELtVx7wt28
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzwlrR0H3M
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs1oBUPvd4
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3qkhvMFeU
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYdFxqOE9P
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4ZRVKrkIs
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjvaVLbpnE
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fbeE4Xs1I
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WooZogiz3
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTxB6jSOAp
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTNQqPdkOF
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3ZopgjhvQ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6BtfeNEQh
"--Huh?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg8sS0aNXL
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuqrvaa88m
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwH9TaTFbU
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE524xNit8m
"...Always backhanded, huh."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFVwDStUEO
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6XQVcnyb9
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 laugh121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIj5U8kB1J
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE26X7CtRcd
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4RNA6H5BY
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXM3So6stj
"We likely don't have one."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYzzTA6chC
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjoJdIQf0E
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kXnLlRcTj
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MAUFXw1Oa
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJERRSapr9v
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlJnTLiBCn
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxouda5Ibv
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPTfSQWkd2
"Well, if you insist."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRiPBjivJI
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCR44YN3Dw
–
–
–
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.
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbpjmY8G8t
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx9iwetOzy
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJYRN0iYip
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKdX9QyPrV
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQGOTsDwa9
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9LiuI1MdI
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuAuoQziq8
**THUD**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1eS4WxadN
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOdOpFOjHg
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?121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcaaOVcNfV
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUbL73D3ZW
"--!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTPbRZ6COq
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuweQThyLZ3
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ3daSJddy
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanFp2j2sEO
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PU0ElD3pE
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEqGz96Q47
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–121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18g976Aw4L
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowdYiVtccj
**SPLICE**121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMCQVCciHT
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl0Kl1uGDH
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1bKD67nfc
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGh9LlZpzw
"I missed one."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSElPeL0jBZ
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOwWb5kJfi
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL7QFfE6xo
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XiRT7OrSB
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnZgYi1xR0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0dpCCvpFn
"Hey!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg036szZ40J
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXJaYXHgs8
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEfi33jkPL
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7azph0xqqZ
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY8HJifpuR
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0gWKWaWE4
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KRYzMCoh7
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyrptjyw9J
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9ZVDUBJBI
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4L3PZYjwI
"I never said that."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLtYbWFYzK
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR4V25SKnb
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNBKwd558N
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvY5cXYmpG
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B7bNesIhN
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBb8di3U0y
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvss9AHd6q6
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KiLK9SvF6
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakxuOK2qHC
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZt3OASPgt
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEtCbKXyTX
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQc3odSyOr
"Haaaa. Damn you."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7q6tEajEN
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96mVKUn49Z
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ609npcED
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8xgePj1HP
"They are dead, right?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQnosnQGTl
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6VIJqvjnq
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYplGCpUM0
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwjNueHTv3
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BJPspgeae
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iZD8eiCFQ
"I–"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z2xBbiI8o
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q8sUtarkf
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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYrFpWzjke
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"Huh?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRD5oOlhpl
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NEVywqeM3
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo5GaFto9E
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"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj3yeE616k
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"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcdG1kF74k
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"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8vnAjEjRD
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1aF9fTqIe
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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.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4SE8oqHhW
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnCO4wYWUO
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"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pOQn4YuDr
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"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bLsVaXf0s
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Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGOVsF7wqO
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"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXksdGJdBh
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"You raise a good point."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZhGFxXG7Y
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTKqlEmakU
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSp9gTZ5V8
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOpT0ubGUy
121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp217B5zRcm
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtawZ3VcNg
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"Ha, abandon?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfAf8bRqRg
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYJ0wDNK5I
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"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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbnnxYAQ8k
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"If you were, it was backfiring."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlDis3L2QJ
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"Harhar. Very funny."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkRzPHBC7A
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX2gYNI6nd
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"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."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrFJToLmMq
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"Aren't you conceited."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4F1kw8kIZ
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"You think it's arrogance?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNlfbgG6hV
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Pars began to stroke his chin.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbhRPa3bdv
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdYcJIfQBI
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFQaJxsLs8
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"...Yeah, you're right."121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9F9nsH5dI
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.121Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgmG1qKtno
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"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
