The ambush from the last floor was felt throughout the crowd.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX02fEnh0Kj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3Sf8ewdgY
Even though Juke and I weren't affected, the other's faces were considerably downtrodden. Some members were now left without a partner and had to team up with people they weren't very familiar with. Morale was low, especially since our leaders were missing.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxxh2BQsn8
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6rtKFVYlG
The remaining group was small, too. Only about eight people were left, meaning that, with the five remaining floors, some were simply required to take them alone. There was chatter of moving as a single unit, taking on each room as a whole rather than having forces split from the group, but others countered that doing so would be abandoning an order and that we had to "trust our other members."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYiGXVnTxo
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UxTBZFoqx
As for me, my nerves only spiked. The image of all those fallen bringers was engraved into my mind, and I desperately tried to keep the word "corpse" out of my head. Over and over, telling myself that they were simply unconscious when the right side of my mind constantly told me otherwise–
**SLAP**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5pGwLEHHo
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSscIdl441n
"Ack!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyG5l4B4CP
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcstxTueH1
I wasn't prepared for the strength I slapped myself with. My muscles were incredibly tense, and I hadn't even realized.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7srutGxkts
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJshYLxGHZs
"No use in thinking about it. No use in thinking about it! Come on!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RUrddug3f
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN5onGHkmJ
I steeled whatever I had left of my resolve and kept trudging through the stairs. I had a complete vision of the crowd, and it made it apparent just how thinned out it had become. To my great dismay, I could even see Rover.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN0NDEPVsq
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBkrIE6JXN
"...Useless–!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RvmUXwXqc
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xpOE5wwVQ
I tried not to think about anything that. I knew I couldn't suspend it for long, but every second I could force my legs forward was valuable. So I ran and ran and ran and ran and–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MRLg1pv1X
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKBpX8bjVK
Suddenly, I noticed something. Though I naturally hadn't been paying much attention to her, the person beside her had changed.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReFclrwe7o
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡislykpZRk7
And it was someone I recognized108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVGutRLbpq
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqSmG1dcr9
–
–
–
The most grueling part of this siege hadn't been the laborious running. It hadn't been the various enemies, the threat of death or even seeing allies fall like flies in the previous ambush. No, for Rover, it was restraint.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGRinMCV7c
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIsU9S0ln2
To do nothing in the face of Hard-Bringer gave her near-uncontrollable rage. Those she swore she'd see crumble, running amok and stealing lives as they always have, unable to even point her weapon at them. If it weren't for those looming words by that wimpy child, resting in the corners of her mind like spiders, she would've caved in.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux7dOfrfRA
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuRV84spnY
Especially now that her surrogate partner was a completely new face.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxKsbf2CQW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdufsGeJHs
"Hi."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCBWyzD25V
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmlIr4g4RG
As she raced up the steps, a man in glasses only a little taller announced himself. She could see him facing her in her peripheral, and though her habits urged her not to, she matched his gaze.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR8GOk41a6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4Xx483UVt
"What!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZrVUDCpp5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LSpDI6LTo
Though, perhaps, she should've spared an extra second checking her tone.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqQWIqryhW
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3x0OsyETb
"S-Sorry for the intrusion, ma'am! I just thought we'd familiarize ourselves."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPhPik0STj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7DCwZApQc
His nervous expression didn't loosen one bit. When Rover tried a softer face, the sweat on his brow multiplied. Rover gave up appearances, quickly discarding dismissive dialogue before her introduction.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEA02ZOsyc
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor6124sqag
"I'm Nigel. You're the volunteer, aren't you?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlTivuhnSc
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCaHHLL4Gn
"Volunteer makes it sound lame! I'm Rover! L-Let's work well together, alright!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3EJdDpAj3
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYRjyfl3gd
Nigel's tense expression eased a little. He worried about a sudden reassignment just as much as Rover did.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDip3MghJj9
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qFvhlZC8l
"I know this is a bit impromptu, but my partner perished on the floor below. Thank you for bearing with me."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3otD8Kg08W
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpk63CQ0LrC
He raised his right hand, one that clutched a metal collar with a tag. Rover knew immediately who it belonged to, and the unusual idea of consolement entered her mind.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRPpLvniXX
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd5QDhknac
"That... that's really bad. I'm sorry for–"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlyNVBsY0C
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG8LyWCPVr
"Don't worry about it. You've suffered a similar fate, haven't you? We're in the same boat."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCtAj7g30M
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKBRdzawk9
He kept a smile with those words, but his eyes lacked the light to convince her. He turned his head away, and the two of them kept running up with their usual worries.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUlpRsnyGR
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv2VfpfU2q
And then, finally, they hit a flat surface.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YYzoetmBN
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gllrBvpm6
"The next room's up ahead!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS112DxFKa
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zng5Z0Drc
She had been in this scene nearly a dozen times already. And each time, she dreaded it. Sprinting to that door, knowing that there would be a monster in man's skin. She swallowed that dread like before, and each time, it poisoned her blood further and further.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXWKqnTrFV
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8OFLUY6Hj
The crowd made it to the room. It was relatively small, but an immediate feature was the giant stained windows, granting a tinted view of the city outside. Rover gave minimum attention to the stature of the room, however, because there, by the exit, sat a man who could only be described as–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLidQ6oKvCX
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK23Ru6FMx
"Holy shit! Are ya a titan!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ue7OPoiXb
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNp3kLJLnz
Rover glanced behind her, realizing that Juke was the one to yell that. She saw Kenny near him, huffing with his hands on his kneecaps.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJChd4BD49T
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0k29h1vsB
A titan. It was a familiar word. She heard it from the stories her mother told her. But, of course, there were no titans in King's Peak, only tales of them.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCKWYcD3EM
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0ftAVDaUL
But, even if it was only in name, the titan a man was. A member of Hard-Bringer with such size, and his head nearly reached the ceiling when he stood. Such monstrous height intimidated nearly everyone, but for Rover, it was the opposite.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CEnfbPjrG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ34RPDaRi
Rover recognized that height. Rover recognized that build, even though it was concealed by robes, and as the man went to pull his hoodie down, the face that appeared only confirmed her intuition.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWitgBX3KRj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywXNwA1fjY
"This is where your advance ends– huh?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q9zuaQ3fu
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfBYtDLo4A
The towering man stopped his speech, compelled by the dashing girl with a rapier in hand. She leaped forward and stuck her foot out, but the man blocked the kick by raising his arm. Rover then thrust her blade, and the man narrowly dodged by tilting his head. However, his angled head was grabbed by her free arm, and through a feat unexpected of her size–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpl72XSBkt
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuXa1G5o7i
**THUD**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyBAFWl8bN
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlhOMNbXWY
She shoved the man down to the ground. She immediately followed with a thrust, but she only caught his robe, and the man scurried away.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1oahAOgAK
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xPodB0DXj
"...Same tricks as always."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwV9W2vbUz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgNGLOKInF
Though her snide remark was entirely unperturbed, the rest of the room stared with mouths agape, as if they had just witnessed alien life.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrirtl37P7
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI1hEHMvJC
"Hoh– it is you. You!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrLw5kylb6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLUzK4Gkag
Because, the once hulking, monster of a man, was now suddenly the size of a teenage boy.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm1Bbm78o4
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QYND1Lvud
"I never expected to run into you today, Rover! Hahaha!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM77YhgZjgF
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNAZloqI5G
The crowd was stunned. Only one member moved through the shock, and everyone stared to find it was Nigel.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbEMuuKagh
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzws66A0EF
"Everyone," he shouted. "Move on, we'll take care of things here!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYtDL26FEX
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24yDtzAWQx
Rover pointed her weapon at the man, a clear warning to stay in place. The man obliged without much resistance, and Rover turned her head to make sure everyone would leave. But then she noticed how Nigel didn't move one inch to that door, and his use of 'we' only just registered in her mind.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a8gvlkxlB
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqquceVRou
"Nigel."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0v19AoqvZ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSQnGAFuI9
"Yes?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GoOsvdz3k
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ744isQrLt
"Leave. I'm fighting this one alone."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeRLTxrpMo
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmXcLfu5ph
"...You're kidding me, certainly."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bCyEMAaUh
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpraA8J4s4h
Rover shook her head back and forth.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycZZSEDeet
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGtrCGCeZ9
"Do you honestly think you can take him alone? You saw what he did, didn't you?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfUkbj7tnf
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGdlLk2fah
"Of course I did. And I know how it works."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw3CKuDqGw
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRC0xWUrp8
"You fought him before, then?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq3zO1kpcS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPrJvTHu3y
Rover quickly nodded. Nigel looked at the man with a constrained face, balling his hands into shaking fists. After an irritated, almost hopeless sigh, he complied. But not before one final word.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIy5HJOsyk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E6LvWXXMM
"Aren't you and I a team? Are you absolutely certain?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenZRmwIhRU
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ7B4tFf2O
Operating on instinct, Rover nodded, but then his opening question computed with her, and her eyes suddenly constricted.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz768gd3pl7
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSImuiPzSTp
"Very well! Don't die on me!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1JAEAlciT
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGchRIHRo9K
His opening words caught Rover like a chain. It reminded her of that moron's scolding, forced her to consider her vow– her earnest word that she'd cooperate –and inquired why she didn't abide by them. But Rover answered that inquiry easily.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwbe73ivX7
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ034n8YqzZx
This man wasn't just a Bringer. She had a history with him. This man was an enemy. A bipedal wretch, barely human, who boiled her blood and furrowed her brows.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiq7KXXFMb
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZSjBRBzC0
No, now she was certain of it. This monster had to fall to her hands; anyone else would just be a hindrance. So she would take him alone, as she always had.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh11t1FCD6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rEg9wGECb
She looked back one last time, making sure that only she and the man were in the room. Nigel was gone, but to her surprise, there was still another member of the crowd there. He drew particular attention. Standing between the exit, not quite leaving it, with clear indecision festering within.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWMOaGznhm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCwb1j1E9s
"Rover," Kenny suddenly shouted. Her eyes moved to his face, constricted and complicated. She was compelled to call it a scowl, but no scorn was in Kenny's face. Only concern, and disappointment.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2c7dU9zje
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo4FUTOGpr
Even without hearing it, Rover knew his words. It suddenly was difficult, to see his face like that. Now, the embodiment of that vow was staring directly into her. Not just at her eyes, no– she felt the observation of her soul.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqttOTHnjeH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXBJOxzn7l
"..."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYkbDE5Qii
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWicGsFWsB
It was suddenly difficult to do anything. And yet, the feelings that burned within her formed too great an inferno to douse. If that boy took two steps further into this room, or even one, she felt like she would lash out. She felt like– she knew she would yell at him not to butt in, to mind his own business, to go fuck himself, and to leave her alone. Words that she had slung candidly before. Words that she knew better than family.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIx7Gx67DB
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzRM8jB0ON
And so, she communicated with a stern nod, and Kenny's biting mouth chipped his nail.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bBv3A8Xck
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnrbY1J9S3
"Fine. Good luck!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaVzyLtHlr
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25rYB0hHgl
And then, he was off. His bidding of good fortune completely stunned her. However, she quickly recovered–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SlYBazd5O
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhYvUggSIP
**THUD**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg76hKPrlAZ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5qfcXOuYY
"Sharp as always! I'm a fool to think that would work!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgba5qXTrO8
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW1h7uODkl
There came a sudden strike from her front, but it was one that she blocked. She freed her rapier from the struggle and backed away, brandishing her weapon and sliding a leg back into a stance.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx19SwGjp6E
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr9Sxhcf9V
"Are you ready," the man asked, a boorish smirk on his face. She could almost see the swirls in his eyes, the way they lost any reason, seeing only combat and carnage as they always had.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AcW9Yxp8D
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRAgsuG3pR
She tried to ignore the uncertain, guilty way her stomach formed a pit.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWExi7kQsd
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AoaxphLLF
"Come at me, Boris!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iy6tqm7oP
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6T5EBhDLh
–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW9hcVbequ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYUwj77Env
–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyQnO5CjoH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtoLl1n3ba
–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YyeWEbwdn
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSBv1Z7mQh
Right before she charged forth, her stalled thoughts sprung into action.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXG2FiZRAH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA9ZCd01RP
Rover knew of their volatile unpredictability. But she was always prepared for it. Even on that street, when they made their audacious announcement, Rover hadn't a shocked bone in her body. But to see Boris utterly defied expectations. She wished she had more time, maybe a moment to sharpen the tip of her rapier, to check the grip on her dagger. But it was too late now, and as she took her first step into battle, she lost all leeway to care.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjAxLONJXh
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ySRfmQ2S
Boris contested her dash. As he charged forth his smaller stature expanded slightly. He leaped forward, but it wasn't to tackle or to grab. He swung his hips and turned ninety degrees, unbending his legs for a sudden drop kick.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfywgpjgad
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzkAqBa031
Rover blocked it with her hands. His increased size made the blow harder to cope with, but she still only slid a foot back. Now on the ground, Rover seized the opportunity to stab at the man. She thrust once, and her sword was met with the sole of his boot.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fh5g9HOeE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDwpBInO6M
"Huh!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nbKHR2lou
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq66OgAT0VQ
He spun onto his belly, catching himself with his hands, using her rapier as a borrowed axel. He pushed himself off the ground with enough force that, even with his lack of leverage, he flew as a battering ram toward her. Rover's rapier nearly snapped under the pressure, but she moved it away before its steel blade turned into a wobbly tube. She ducked Boris' charge, but he grabbed onto her rapier, swinging back around and destroying Rover's balance. Rover, however, had only one hand on that Rapier.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ep4QDOM7p
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19IzsVJqJy
"Hah!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lAbD9hv6S
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWNVLxevpG
She used her other to grab her dagger and stabbed at the man. He took the blow unceremoniously, even growing to lessen it, and she was sure it hurt by the subsequent grunt. He flew off her rapier a solid few meters away, taking Rover's dagger with his body.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KIGKlTFIU
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFjZ8Edu58
But she didn't let up, because she knew that if she waited any longer–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRb2M88RJB
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5zbz0L67d
"Here!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB9VSgGogU
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwTjJcX9Pr
Boris dislodged her dagger and he chucked it like a throwing knife. Rover caught it at one of its crossguards, but as she was distracted with doing so, the man performed mana spinning.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKGuorqnsZ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0UE2pvuYX
"Good thing that dagger's so thin. Otherwise, this wound wouldn't be so easy to heal."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpk2PJt5WL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtsnVeby38
"Tch."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ATLKp6Wyb
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0H2C8lKEg
Boris returned to his former size. He stroked his chin, tending to his thoughts as he stared down Rover. She afforded him no time and charged forth. She thrust her rapier once, met with a jerk away, and thrust it again. She repeated her thrusts, each of which dodged but less comfortably each subsequent attempt. Rover knew him better, however. She knew that right as she thought she'd get him, he would pull an underhanded trick. So she assumed the eyes of an analyst, narrowing them and gazing at Boris like a hunting cat.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfk5FNH2ci
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhgkaiWHRb
**CLANG**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDn3YMftTM
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9AyY6FRId
And that trick came. Boris caught her thin rapier between his hands, clamping it so fiercely that the metal would snap any moment. But Rover's stance suffered no blow, and poised to strike back, she slung her leg from her side. The blow struck Boris right under the rib, and from his obvious wince, the damage wasn't meaningless.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QQ9j0sseq
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgb4ATZ1QI
She struck again quickly, sliding her rapier out and using the butt of its hilt like a rock, smacking Boris square in the face. Boris reeled from the blow and took a few steps away, but Rover swung her arm back and straightened her Rapier, honing in for a vicious thrust.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfQtOrf2Ds
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXfMlJwYIx
That thrust, however, had been dodged. And the force Rapier stockpiled only sent her tumbling to the ground. She never landed, though, because a sudden fist to the face replaced her embarrassing fall with a punitive flight. She soared across the room, disoriented, anchoring herself on the floor with her Rapier right before colliding with a wall.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcKH7CCsri
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO34vFoi3kN
As she gathered her bearings, she saw Boris charging forth with a puffed chest. Only, it wasn't puffed, but swollen to inhuman degrees. The image of a bull came to her mind, and for a moment she was paralyzed. But she shook the intimidation off and stepped away, missing a blow that–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbGUju603C
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybt3eWVYSy
**SMASH**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlqlNz0Bjh
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrGoSTGQ2C
–shook the room as it ruined the wall.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsiz9rNtAB
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm2iZagW9N
"Ack. Shit!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc3TUDVqqI
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQih84T77qF
Rover realized his reckless gesture was an attempt at an early victory, but she was too energized to fall prey to it, and now Boris was only more hurt.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWiH5rHZV5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJwtPZqQh5
"These tactics don't work how they used to. You've grown. Haha, you've truly grown!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0LNUIxSR9
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVInT6Ysvh
Boris deflated his comical size, returning to a more reasonable stature.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUT4MfVBVz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOibWjSJiPJ
"But not enough."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLI1OJCeyn
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIHsQCsTpm
"--!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3O7uvVRCu
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIdVInZIZc
Those words, unlike anything prior, brewed steam within her head.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYhVvHVHD1
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TOHW6dfNw
"What the hell are you talking about? I'm kicking your ass!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiaKXtqGAL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2b5mejqe1
He wiped some dirt off his shoulder.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaXAkT0O3l
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshR4W63IC5
"Your intellect hasn't improved one bit, has it? Can't you tell I'm still toying with you?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZUcoc5omu
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDVldSnMDL
Her jittering mouth couldn't open to respond. So badly did she want to deny it, to call him out for being coy. But to do so, would just be to lie.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC4QkYDvH4
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsZGxVwKQw
"I remember when you and I first met. Back in those ivory fields, when I offered you a home, you scowled at me and called me scum. That a bringer like me ought "108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc7OEpbfq6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2N6E0tGnI
"...So what? What are you getting at, shitface?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinMNbcaDx5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YUuusPrwK
He smirked. He placed his hands behind his shoulders, closing his eyes. Rover didn't understand what he was doing, and that worried her. That worried her deeply because she thought she knew every trick this monster could pull. She thought she knew every ace up his sleeve, every nook and cranny of his capacity.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgYrBLL1Hz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvir55mJLkJ
But, as she was proven yet again, keeping expectations like that was for fools.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g0y8WVze1
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74OlgChMro
From the back of his shoulders, cylindrical masses of earth formed, taking shapes and morphing as his hands moved outward. His arms stopped just above his chest, and as he lowered his arms, Rover's eyes blew open, her clenched throat vomiting a gasp.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGqY0MtK69
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL4eOkcy6y
"You talked so much of this goal of yours. Of how you'd beat me. Of how you'd prove yourself to me and all of my colleagues."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcllFLerSHt
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5vIrSsu74
From the back of his shoulders, a new pair of arms found home, and they pointed their fingers with snappy girth.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTQwMSPB55
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHsKDTnykm
"Hahaha! Come! Show me that this time, you'll do just that"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEonaikZIbH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKyF4VvW8x
"--Fine!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwdLzG1ylS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRByy0dJXbi
Though the doubling of his limbs was obviously intimidating, Rover tried not to be dissuaded by his appearance. She charged forth, dagger now firmly in hand. After all, if she fought the new Boris with a stale arsenal, she'd be crushed.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5R0vX6Uan
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtAaCEXdeA
She began with a thrust, and immediately it was caught by one of Boris' earthly arms, not budging an inch. He bent his legs and threw a regular punch at Rover, one she avoided with a backstep. Her rapier was now confiscated, and she watched Boris raise it with his earthen arms.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp59UHWGAhu
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBiLM3s0vv
Something inside urged her to scream in defiance. To yell at that man not to do it, but she pushed that unburied temptation down with a commanding glare. Gazing at Boris as he snapped the rapier like a twig.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3FS3lyxHo
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWfWYdUH8W
"Well," he asked, "what now?" He threw the split rapier to the side and taunted Rover, daring her to come closer. Rover didn't fall for the taunt, because what she had was not rage– at least, not at the man before her.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sTlXoPAUa
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN7DuxndZw
Rather, her shaking fists were directed at herself. She raised the dagger and looked at it. Despite its needle-like blade, the curved cross-guards made it a poor tool for thrusting. This was her only weapon. This and her fists, anyway, but if her past had taught her anything, it was that fists were a futile tool against him.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3Dz0U3mdc
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtobIfzquSz
"Completely still. But, of course, you lost your only way to kill me. Will you give up?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MGa8zdZCc
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7DnDQdGI1
"...You're counting me out already. It's pissing me off!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6jojGmqoH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bQOVAkLxv
Yes, her remaining weapon was better suited to defense. Yes, she was physically weaker than Boris. But if her kit made it so that she lived and died by the presence of her rapier, she would've gone all those years traveling King's Peak for nothing.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqhnwC9Sml
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVEgo25aBJ
"You've learned nothing, you overgrown oaf!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmTxHgrIBx
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaazZAIzFD8
Her free hand latched onto the strap around her waist, turning it and revealing the satchel that had gone unnoticed by Boris. Unzipping it and reaching for its contents, Rover pulled out an item that made his eyes widen. A thin, elongated, but sturdy vial, one that fits comfortably into Rover's palm.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vkHjzSkmc
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xU0ALhl4x
"...I see. Hahaha, I see! And what kind of exotic mana does that hold?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdQXFBAPD6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08mZmZyT4R
"Come and find out!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7C885vRg3
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQoAdi6QqN
And for the first time in the battle, Boris broke the neutral state, dashing at Rover with arms blazing. A result that came at the worst time possible. Because, although Rover revealed her condition for victory, not a single thought of how to use it came to her mind. And thus, she panicked.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvA9O4dig6
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpWEaH04LG
Fortunately, she was always a better runner than Boris.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuw5OKLiFk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTS9RpEYU0
"Get back here! Come on you coward!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxZUv5o2Md
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0yXhJAONQ
Rover dismissed those venomous words. Or at the very least, she tried to, but its potent bite was felt throughout her body like the mountains of sweat her brow was producing. She had no idea what to do. For a moment she doubted that she remembered what the vial even contained. But one look at it, at its orange hue that signified distinct divergence, assured Rover that much.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG04u18kl3T
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmWsyg1bbi
And then, the answer came to her. The wave of panic crashed with the gentle grace of summer water. She stuck the dense vial in her mouth and turned around.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjkMcn02tA
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pYItKrBZp
"Finally!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrITQc5m93
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZuiUs0RAb
Boris threw his earthen arms directly at her, which Rover dodged. In a bent position, Boris brought both his arms up to uppercut. Rover blocked one fist with her palm and stabbed through the other.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXx7r2BZ77
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTsQMgPNXl
"--Ack! Shit!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH84Zikpjwd
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H5ouPsOBO
The parrying dagger slid smooth like silk out of the wound. Rover dashed back immediately, anticipating some kind of reaction.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE04h05amk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsXrnvy6iC
"...My fingers are broken. Just what is that dagger made of?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFaEL6CoxM
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10bkdu4uWy
And then a profound smile found itself on her face. He backed away to perform mana spinning potent enough only to close his wound. Those broken fingers were just what she needed.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzuZxhLzKi
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qt5FXADFd
She performed a swift dash, closing the gap between Boris and her. He immediately put his earthen arms up as a guard, disjointed just enough from his body to make an attack impossible. Rover thought this sudden focus on defense as suspicious, even as the mana spinning on his hand gave her a reason, so she dared not approach without caution. After all, with how volatile his size changes were, he could–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IG5C0ETds
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9QcwmINkP
"...!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqEwbwT4P0
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMUfLZCRXM
Her past experience came to the forefront of her mind, and now she observed her reality with a perplexed perspective. He barely altered his size throughout this fight. He stopped only when–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw20CLUBIk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZnwyuXJtp
"Ah-ha!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskeA6kvOEK
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHDodwhMy8
Though her profession of understanding was muffled by the glass between her teeth, it made the rise of her confidence no less explosive. She seemingly threw all caution to the wind, charging forth directly into his earthen arms. Boris dashed away, keeping Rover at a distance, but to no avail. Her speedy struts caught up to his back peddling quickly, and instead of attacking, Rover grabbed the earthen hands.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT237JOhXD
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHgq0lYT5f
The gesture alone confused Boris for a moment, just enough to stun him for what happened next.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpq4IUgEJZ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshCa6espz5
**THUD**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YBuDgkyMQ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGiFapvM4u
"Urk!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfT7kuLyko
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM28zgddGBU
Using those arms like a swing, she propelled her feet into Boris' gut. But she didn't stop there. Because there was no better opportunity to do this than now. She pulled the glass right out of her mouth and popped the lid open, throwing it at Boris as she fell to the floor and rolled away.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmz7MtDpyk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwHASCXuZB
Now at a distance, Rover observed the magic. But no magic came.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQPIKo9sd7
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9PFKXFk77
"Huh?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3bghcSsvU
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDZhRXKfxq
There was a fluttering cloud of orange dust before Boris, permeating through the room like any ordinary gas would.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUK5aaeLla
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGrLAm7qHh
"Haha! What was I afraid of!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH9PPKXh9a
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFk8nCXuHA
Boris broke into a bellowing laughter. He held his gut not only to soothe the pain but to hold back his chuckles. Rover knew he would've pointed at her had one of his arms not suffered damage, and though that made her bitter, she kept herself composed for the moment.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKF55GWcxH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhWDIFpStP
Boris quit his laughter, wiping a few tears out of his eyes. The orange cloud permeated slowly, so it still was rather thick, but that didn't dissuade Boris from sticking his head in and smelling it like morning air.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZuSIgLLos
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fVHt9cCO4
"What's this? Doesn't smell like anything. You crack me up. At least you put on a good show!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO0CGeVi3v
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenmvKzGYgt
Boris threw his arms wide.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaobysMWbHw
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvMuN4DUtI
"But I like fights more than performances. I'll do both of us a favor and end this–"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLMQeHa5KH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxhgdNQu9L
In a flash, as he spoke, as the spit flew out of his face, and as the lids of his eyes closed to blink, he raised his leg one step forward. With that leg, his body followed right after, crashing into the dust of orange, spreading it just far enough that it contacted the earthen arms.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrreJnTQdRr
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UEASL1GtI
And then the magic happened.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5MBRiH3uj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURzke8tEK9
**BOOM**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGpS9bN57l
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68f5ObfmRb
That cloud of dust erupted with volcanic ferocity, an explosion so small, yet so extreme that Rover struggled to keep her footing. A great cloud of smoke took the place of Boris' body, and Rover looked on with the slimiest grin she had ever worn.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74w97wsuRs
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVpelF8tNZ
"Heh. And I even figured out your actual size."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9Ts2MTgCk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcu4V5h1r8
She stood up and wiped whatever junk found itself on her shoulder. She approached the site of the explosion, and just like in her memories, it was near heatless. She didn't get too close, however. Just close enough to see Boris' crisps, when that cloud of dust would eventually fade.
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiCarIAE4i
"Hmmm? This is taking a while–"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahRBSZNZ1S
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3fRa8o8yC
And indeed, that cloud of dust faded. It faded rather fast. But then Rover realized it wasn't that the dust faded. Rather, something had stolen its spot.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoPhE1PX5r
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQFWjQNlLf
The arm of a titan, reaching out for her, with its open palm like a claw. Rover's instincts forced her body to dash away. Then she stood and watched. Watched as a hulking mass exited the site of the explosion.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ2KU4bmck
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQZp5Tjquk
Then, it shrunk.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxU9iv8EVQ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq4tXyyPwm
"Oh ho ho, you marvelous beast."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e5jXLX89P
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91M5pqmJcd
Boris' robes were gone. Cinders, undeniably. Then was the leather armor Rover knew he always wore. That was gone too. The only article of clothing that remained were his pants, and even they were hardly intact. He was covered in burns blistered the likes of which she'd never seen, and his earthen arms were now missing. By all strings of reasoning, Rover should've dashed in and dealt the final blow. But she couldn't.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcU4qGcty9
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkj5hLhZvp
Come to think of it, it was the first time she'd seen a part of his body aside from his face. And now she felt as if she just discovered a new man. Because all around Boris' torso was a carpet of gaping, sporadic holes.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqNBvKQWUX
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZYwltHEHi
"I can see it in your face. Your disgust. But I know that there's awe in those eyes. How couldn't there be?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp3MxgsWmm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2D7vjJ2Nq
Rover snapped out of her trance and brandished her dagger.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPEcYyAmCA
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO7qKbSMq6
"What you're seeing is my Endowment. Many have called it a curse, but I'm not so ungrateful to insult it like that."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3I18MFbjg
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsmqTnaW4y
Boris raised his unbroken arm. He began mana spinning, forming a brick of earth in his hand. And then, from the large hole centered at his navel, the very same brick spewed out and plummeted to the ground.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZvX2gEMaB
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xBtpA6RRt
And then, a few seconds later, another brick spat out a different hole.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYYWEfzUsg
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPElnc39JKt
"Those arms I formed made for a dandy shield, wouldn't you say? Though of course, you hit me in the last place it spawned. Lucky you."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwoB3Xq8CC
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDozA9lbS3
Another brick spewed out. It came from his shoulder.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nf67hHb1B
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xAeCcBMeu
"Well, you've certainly made a mess of my face. But I don't need good looks anyway."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufljXsIO1H
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzDuJqwJJp
He dropped the brick in his hand right as another spewed out. He wound his arm, as if to stretch it, then gazed at Rover with the eyes of a monster.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq8kMhUxzk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZf7tzIop4
"You're not done fighting, are you? Come on."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpUfiscIpk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LH0V7O7Nh
"...Freak."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcLg08DUZQ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdqOUo01bR
"Oh yeah. You loved calling me that before, didn't you?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67AJiE6SrF
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTHt093Pav
"And just look at how right I was."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7bhtfR8Qu
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICygs75YbW
A hearty chuckle came from him.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtby7PlgOj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyJPcVznDw
"Well, that won't do you any good."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMQrwrLkbY
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6nCn7JaSO
Boris entered a stance, taunting Rover yet again.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvHODONlYo
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3xx2AYQPz
"Come on. My legs are scorched. Your marvelous plan gave you this opportunity."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXa8f9YDZn
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMqqWUX5KN
She put one leg forward.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGdiVA8nCe
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwu3YYfiqr
"You've got brains since the last time we met. At least, more than I expected. You used them well. You're still worth keeping around."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbVwlK3Tym
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozO2w01kA0
Then another. Boris' grin grew wider.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZm4ifVRV5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8RG6I8otn
"A helpless dog like you shouldn't loiter around! Come on, Rover! Don't you have something to prove!?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQRynDsCob
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYOhfsGb3b
And even through his manic glare, Rover sprinted. She sprinted with energy to finish, the will to see that monster put down.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYK7eV4hvS
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–
–
–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJr6RsCIlH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojHgUDnZwg
–From an onlooker's perspective, Rover could see why she'd get concerned stares. Even though her body locomoted tactfully in the fight, the windows to her mind made contorted, bemused shapes. And the removal of her dagger compounded that contortion.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKCPLKMkpO
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XmtZxdoWE
She threw a fist forward. It was slapped away by Boris, and he attempted a counterattack. Rover tucked her head just in time, and with the tiny space between her skull and his arm, she jumped. Boris avoided a dislocation, but Rover kept the assault with a kick from the side. It was blocked by his other hand. She slipped away just before it got caught, and using her right leg like an anchor, delivered a flurry of kicks at Boris, who went to block them.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1THGlWiMN5
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K79SPXxsY
–Rover's kicks were laced. Whether it hampered or bolstered them wasn't something she knew or cared about. At some point, she forgot all about the process of kicking, her mind wandering to holes in her gut. The oozing pastries behind the glass, unable to snatch that gilded stash.
Boris quit his consecutive parries, realizing that such a task was a fool's game. He backed away, which took a moment to compute with Rover, and Boris used that moment to charge in and deliver a quick blow. Rover fortunately blocked it, and as she didn't slide across the room, she had ample leverage to pull a maneuver. She spread her arms and wrapped them around Boris, turning around and putting it over her shoulder. Boris was bigger than her, but that mattered little with her strength. She threw him onto the ground, and his back's unceremonious clash with the floor made its effects apparent on his face. However, Boris pointed his vacant hand at her and out came a burst of wind. Rover didn't have the reflexes to dodge at such a short range and went flying across the room.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIodQuFt2rz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQLd4YE5WP
–Those morphing cakes reeked of red. Its verdant smell commanded her to smash the glass, but she was smarter than that. She knew that if she broke the shield, she'd lose on the spot. And that couldn't happen. Her blood boiled to steam. Her teeth ground themselves to powder. It was inevitable, seeing as that's how it always went.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKpJDGXAnE
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKRicl3XcV
Boris jumped up from the floor right as Rover landed on it. She struggled to get back on her feet, as the blow from his spell sent her head into a frenzy, but she made do with her wobbly knees. Boris charged forth and tackled with his shoulder. Rover tried to block it, and though she avoided any serious damage, she was swept off her feet yet again. Boris followed with a kick, but right as his foot was about to connect, another gust of wind blew from his chest. It saved Rover from a painful blow and sent Boris soaring away, but the edges of the gust still connected, and she was back on the floor.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oHA1lrfru
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzuZEJcRYY
–When things get at arm's length, they become untouchable. But the obstacle isn't always a protective pane of glass. Sometimes it's a shelf, one just high enough so it's out of your reach. Rover jumped for years, but every time her legs grew stronger, or her arms grew longer, the shelf grew with her, but always a little more. Eventually, her fiddling fingertips couldn't even brush it.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQvPp6OZxk
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fUAcKhMsQ
Rover fought yet again to get her feet to the ground. She wiped her mouth with her arm and spat out blood-infused spit. She must've cut her inner cheek.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3xXJBXDHj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISwMhGgSCY
Boris was far away from her, but charing with full awareness. His pace slugged from before, it was clear to Rover that the explosion still affected him. She used that thought to muster her remaining strength and met Boris' charge head-on. The two entered a series of throwing and avoiding fists, and Rover's superior speed gave her an edge. She landed blows square in the chest, and as she hit his pores, they immediately constricted. Rover cared little as to what that meant and kept bashing, but then Boris landed a fist into her cheek. She rolled with the hit as well as she could before rounding back with her strongest punch yet. It landed right into Boris' palm. He twirled his arm, a clear attempt to break Rover's own, but she had experience with such tricks. She put her free hand onto Boris' and jumped, countering his rotation with her own, and kicking him in the head. But Boris didn't release his grasp, and instead threw Rover up and punted her gut.
–There was almost no doubt in her mind of what would happen. It was inevitable, in spite of her struggle. She was going to lose. Would she die? She knew Boris well enough, and so she knew she wouldn't. But to her, no future existed beyond the time of her loss. No prospects are had at the precipice of failure. It was like the blackness of recollecting one's memory as a fetus. But if these rotten thoughts were all that were within her, then maybe she could've squeezed out a tie.
Rover fell to the ground, wheezing and panting, remnants of her stomach escaping from her mouth. She expected an immediate attack and braced herself, but such an attack never came–
**THUD**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6lauxxTiz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJNbLUdPil
Rover ate a kick to the face. She rolled across the ground but stopped herself quickly. Her right eye was covered in red, but she could see Boris even through a blizzard. He stomped to her, but Rover didn't move. She reached into the sheath and grabbed the hilt of her dagger, and right as Boris was in range to attack, she threw the weapon at her.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBPAUxYMCD
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlaHOZpWSa
–There were chains around her arms, doubts in and out of hiding, pouncing and making escapes with military expertise. There was guilt in her limbs, the ones she used to seal the oath she carelessly shattered. There was anger in her stomach, the one that was always there, residing like a parasite but pulsing now as if it was bound to burst. There was sorrow in her heart, the one she used to fuel words about things she just didn't understand. The one she used to hope. But one affliction was chief among them all.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgVevxeYBz
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiyQyVI8IZ
Boris was caught off guard, but not as much as Rover hoped. He just raised one of his arms and let the dagger pierce right through. Boris' screaming was nearly musical to her. Blood leaked from the edges; it was clear the dagger was like a clog. But even so, Boris pulled the dagger out of his arm and sealed the blood-spewing hole with his fingers, performing mana spinning.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPJprDmC9C
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"You have gotten smarter. Or maybe I've just gotten dumber."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72eXqpfwJO
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIQRPIrXZK
Rover tried to get up and attack. After all, he was right in front of her, making himself vulnerable. She tried, and she was able to get her upper body off the floor, but Boris kept her down with another kick to the chin. Any strength to rise departed, and all Rover could do was watch as Boris approached.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsZ4UeITRs
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ608hdMkOAm
"What a shame. For you, of course. This is the closest you've ever gotten, but you didn't have that extra push."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxAsnB5cdr
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgsQHdW5Bw
Rover balled his hands into a fist, scowling at Boris with daggers for eyes.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX3phmP2AH
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlwSEKTr5c
"Relax, now. Twisting your face won't kill me. Might as well save the energy."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0hN9P4qmu
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQdlY80xeT
"You... ass."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bx8zY1Uca
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5ijwQICjb
Boris stopped before her legs, staring at them while pinching his chin. Rover couldn't begin to imagine what was going on in his head. But she kept on scowling, even hissing at him as if the action would deter him at all.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOFwhw0nsm
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NRWofJ7O1
"You're not crawling away?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEWhNW0KKJ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUgwe1UXfO
"...I'm not a damn worm."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzB1EoXCjt
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4exLBJLUG
"Right. You never were the type to do that. But your insults are missing. Well, not that it matters."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySTLKspyNX
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS8rodYEYS
Boris crouched down and gazed at her legs. A shiver crawled up Rover's spine, one that left tingling dread in its wake.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94ffi4h1E4
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasRz1yCaUk
"I'm spent, but I can't let you run around either. So how about I do, this?"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC4zNf57YL
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dahYYEu6R
He grabbed her left leg by the ankle, and as he did so, he began mana expulsion. He formed a great club of earth in his hand and walked over to her hip. Immediately, Rover knew what was going to happen. She moved her arm in an attempt to slap it away, but her hands couldn't reach him.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7wz6HldtA
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDupPssS0bu
But, she still tried. As Boris raised the club above his head, the corners of her eyes were taken by darkness. More and more area, subjugated by black until only the very center of her pupils had the ability to look. They stared at the club, as it stood motionless above his head, and she knew any second it would come down, and she knew any second she would be made a fool.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDbxOKIY6S
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMoYFVPpKW
And she couldn't do a thing.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsCyxyT6jS
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrYyZu3c7Y
–Frustration. It was her frustration. The object of her long-lived hatred, its ambassador stood right there. But she was being beaten down like a dog. An injured mutt who had to limp on all but one of its legs, even unable to beg. At the edge of achieving her dream, her ultimate goal, she was forced to watch it slip further and further away. And then she realized, she couldn't destroy Hard-Bringer. And then she realized, she couldn't even scratch it. And then she realized, she'd have to wait again, and then train again, and then search again, and then despair again. And as the final blow of the battle came, only two words sprung from her mind:108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNQb65o2te
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGjBTd7HsX
Sorry, mom–108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vokrb0Px8
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5EJQQWluy
**CRACK**108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdesQ4RwwfG
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kFrSrIFJZ
"AG– AAAAAAAAAAHCK!"108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ba5k4jmw9
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdTt5B7Sdb
Her nearly six years of combat experience couldn't have prepared her for this.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6oGqsoePj
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcL8iZlSRj
"And there goes your leg."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43guB9o54l
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABGspVwu4P
She knew of no word to describe the sensation. Seething, writhing, pounding, shocking,
burning, aching, twitching, pulsing, churning– nothing came to her mind to describe it. The shattering of her femur, shooting fragments of bone like shrapnel to the lining of her skin, but not enough to pierce it. As if dozens of bugs drilled through her flesh, as if an entire home landed on her leg– that's what it was like.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hG6HOFtx8
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpapR4DX8bC
"It's funny. If it hadn't only been you, I'd probably be dead."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkopChOiyy
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF9JoVqjpw
She couldn't even move to clutch her leg, to soothe it in any way. The most she could do was groan and yell and grit her teeth, but none of that was possible at once, and when her focus got captivated by his words the way it did, the pain exponentiated.
"Dogs like you– they like to hunt alone. But the moment they face something threatening, they bite just short of drawing blood. Maybe then, you're a defective wolf."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMcxMMpdrP
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqzqS3OVWa
Boris uncrouched and stepped away as a club of earth spat from a pore. He was clearly haggard, limping as he walked away, hardly able to move one leg before the other. That was the only consolidation Rover was afforded; a tiny solace within the sea of agony.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ5C5Gx6eV
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But those words of his stole it away.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncqZA6tBmZ
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WLkkK8TnC
"Raw strength wins yet again. You got close, but I am still undefeated. Until we meet again, Rover."108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1V2ZgiGXM
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxI5sldtyY
Boris continued limping away until he reached the wall. Then, reeling his fist back, he smashed the glass panes open. He looked down and whistled before turning around and looking at Rover.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxAH7B7D54
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk2PMxlk8a
She wanted to scream, but all the efforts of her throat and lungs were channeled to ease her suffering. And oh, how she hated it. How she hated the grin of his face, an arrangement of his teeth and mouth designed for eating feces. He waved her goodbye and jumped off while cackling like a witch.108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko488TkBy8
108Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI2HRaOiqf
No strength to draw, no will to push. All Rover could do was lay there and cope, lamenting her loss and that wretched monster's words.
