“...”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDXn5X9nhO
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp0vXLXH7R
“...”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtqwGHOf87
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGcAIVGLpA
I couldn’t explain how it wound up this way. Maybe it was how I always lagged behind, or that other members were simply more courageous than Juke and I. Maybe it was bad fortune becoming of me, an ugly trait that reared its head in inconvenient times. Pondering an explanation was a useless endeavor anyhow. At this point, I realized it just wasn’t always needed.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVjE1wzdrj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRghJRO6yc
But still, to think Juke and I were the final two members was absurd.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpvCuY0tgE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ906eq4w8bA
I didn’t have any evidence, but my gut screamed at me that the final floor would be the most challenging to combat. I readily acknowledged that the Harbinger was on a lower floor, but all the suspense that had been accumulating in my body informed me that wasn’t the worst of it. Perhaps it was a superstition– no, it absolutely was –but I was still compelled to tell Juke of my hypothesis.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMngiW0MB8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ogz2MbrhP
“I have a feeling–”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh2lP82hiZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTG0CN2Wrd
“This next floor’s gonna be a pain in the ass, eh?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZQ9gbNF9S
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBs0EFFroe
I was momentarily stunned at his read. Only in mind of course, because my legs didn’t dare to stop climbing.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EHLUYWAE2
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZq0vHBz5E
“Do you also have that feeling?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HyJQQilNP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3i9dz8MJe
“Nothin’ like it. I could just tell by the look on yer face. Either way, I don’t think we’re gonna deal with somethin’ so meddlesome.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RsYNvRQyg
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGTnfG6PLV
“I don’t know, Juke. I just don’t know.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7CnJKgxTg
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpEtlrTS8w
His words appeased me a little bit, but I still found it nearly impossible not to wonder and assume the worst.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas8OTXdxxS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvzTvCOiS8
But, ultimately, I reminded myself yet again that that hardly mattered. Now that we’d arrived on a flat surface, there was nothing to do but to walk through that door and eliminate whoever was behind it. So we made sure to make a loud entrance. As I was able to match his pace, the both of us busted the door down. We ran into the master’s room, a spacious office stacked with papers. It was different, and far, far messier than the Foreign Pillar’s.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwBCAhfb5q
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMpwsDGTWb
“Y-You!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKEOpSXmHI
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqZk8zTLIr
I was shocked by a sudden voice from my left. I turned my head and saw a skinny gentleman, one I could only assume was the Pillar’s Dean.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm7wrHs1HQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyGnsTy6YP
“T-Thank goodness! Please, release me from these ropes!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNxqtRKN6g
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItN4zfiTD8
“A-Alright!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvyeGvD5yk
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVsHNJZu1X
Whether his words or his pathetic visage swayed me, I ran to untie him all the same. But I was stopped in my tracks by a hand grabbing my shoulder.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGDIlS1fhh
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo6XBwLtwu
“Hey! Juke, what are–”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPTZRnTkNO
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6AXldFRp0
My question was cut short the moment I looked at where he was point. Now, I was looking at the reason behind the different papers, the reason why the dean was tied in rope.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvc6BFO1YX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABsIuSTp0g
A man stood on the desk. A man with a robe I knew all too well, but more importantly, with a style of hair that I recognized. He turned his head towards us as he put a paper down, and frowned.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIChKBERnqP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ4SiRMpFO
“You two… I figured it would be you that I meet.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpAPjUqgFN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrACTlHDATL
With almond-shaped eyes and a jagged, unusual hairstyle that screamed “punk,” the Bringer in the streets of this city right as this mess began glared at us with the sheen of his blade.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JwrfAHJ6p
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D8B20X8Nq
“He’s alive!?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2zIYgMS3N
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgiTUog9Bj
The shock of it all was one thing, as the last time I saw him, I was sure he was pulverized and left to bleed out. But what truly made me yell in such volume was that he still had both of his arms.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMXHunKZeJ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDug0G8Qwu
“How the hell? I cut yer thing off, didn’t I?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BnhaCqIq4
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafDPqL7jrk
“My ‘thing?’ It was my arm, you ass! But never mind that. What matters now, is that it’s back.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5gX3LGV0T
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyzNtYtnav
He said it matter-of-factly, as if none of it should be a surprise. Missing limbs weren’t impossible to restore with highly potent, albeit rare and extremely expensive potions, but processes like that took months, often years to complete. And they would only proceed smoothly with frequent tending and doctoral observation.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTLq84MDq1
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpzICoJbVd
And yet, it had only been a little over a day since I last saw him.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnMTt2Hyuz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMkiDwJfy8
“Kid, that ain’t possible, is it!? Tell me I’m hallucinatin’!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jjnUovDFj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcpk5V5Ros
“...Well, not exactly.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDS4S06ZtZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrUROfHuXc
I could see his mouth agape through the steel of his helm.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AgBIz0bIM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkliMynA12
“Restoring limbs isn’t impossible; I tried and failed to make a few like that myself. But to be able to do it that fast, there’s only one explanation.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvrsxH9pGT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLV6tHjMDK
“Tell me, won’t ya?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOJayluApj
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaFPwMByDa
“There’s someone in Hard-Bringer who’s a Grade Zero mana spinner.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8RiX0mJBQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegGpToTJyh
“...Seriously? I thought they were one-in-a-million rare.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVs1BkAhk3
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgbXBRUmsj
“It’s something like that. I’d call ourselves lucky if they weren’t our opponent.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4oY6T66ag
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0NN4hRPHS
“You got a sharp mind, child– Bison Frost, right?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JVUdUr7CH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8yUWdWRps
I clicked my tongue at the mention of the name. And to think I forgot all about it.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtButebHII
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewIpMdZ60N
“There’s someone among our ranks who’s a world-class healer. It’s phenomenal to see her work, really. I was out like a light, but by the time I woke up, I was better than new!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIFYS6aMth
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18EY0ctrwQ
He pulled the sleeves of his robe back to show his vascular arms.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn8Op4VPWw
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF68l29iPG
“A her, eh? Looks like I know who ta’ look for.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHu7pTB3RM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qvsnM9p9z
The Bringer’s enthusiasm dwindled with Juke’s remark.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yoSBA9h44
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d4a8iM7Pe
“Right, I need to watch my tongue. I can’t be too safe.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn9jFdQhF6
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjiNivRZlg
The Bringer hopped off the desk and reached for the other scabbard on his belt. Wielding two curved blades yet again, he stared at us with crazed, narrowed eyes.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pn5Sb7J32
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzlpEPUvwM
“If you two are the last of your platoon, that’s perfect! It means you won’t get any help!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rJfzzF86J
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55urJMSI2q
He took one step forward, a clear indication that he was going to charge.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2qxfjjxoD
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVmMUy0cpW
“If I can chop you two up here and now, then we can pack up and go home!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix6V87nOfW
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65uXIlDK3B
And then he broke into a sprint, igniting our unexpected rematch.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpSbEHbpK1
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ60pDD5JPG
–
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIZYYWScRc
–
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcaWOEYFAr
–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46eEJKUNSf
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sv9tdonZA
The Bringer’s immediate dash complicated this whole mess. It might’ve been my fault for not taking Juke aside and speaking of a plan, but there was nothing I could do now. I didn’t have time to speak with him about our battle strategy. It helped not that the Bringer’s gesture was so sudden. It stunned me for a moment and forced me to think of a counterattack. But Juke thankfully had a quick, simple proposal:: he just drew his sword and matched the Bringer.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAmA9c42jB
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAUJws4QhQ
The first collision of the battle followed right after. Juke blocked a double swipe with his single sword, and immediately I noted that Juke had more physical strength than the Bringer, as he was able to keep him in a lock. The Bringer dashed away shortly after, glaring at us while humming curiously. I was oddly disturbed by that gesture, but I had no time to contemplate. I drew my tendril and sprouted the perfect plant for the occasion: the Thistle-Bloom. One of the first plants I ever copied from Prince’s garden, Its spikey bulb protruded from the tip of the tendril. I squelched its root as if I was choking it.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLr6RUIqrn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15XzsqVGVZ
Juke looked over his shoulder, and seeing that I had a plant out, he gestured his hand in a question.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuLhI8ck9U
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj3r8lgy0L
“It’s ranged, that’s all you need to know! Keep the pressure!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEzYhazXrc
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsanojW6qxg
He nodded right after, boldly charging at the still-humming Bringer. I put one knee down and bent the Thistle-Bloom, aiming it directly at the two fighters.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRajT3vy2Q
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt6iH813Dc
It was impossible to safely shoot while the two were in close combat, but that bothered me barely. Juke’s endowment gave him a defensive edge, and with the constant threat of his sword and wind magic, the Bringer would be forced to back away eventually. I just had to wait for that moment, and as I did, I keenly watched the battle unfold.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZcAAp4tX6
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfVP1XUvb2
Juke played the offensive role spectacularly. I wasn't sure if the Bringer was hesitating from past experience or gauging him in some fashion, but the end result was that swings were being thrown his way. None of Juke's swings connected, however, and the Bringer kept too small a distance for me to shoot.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI7NofB3TD
Eventually, the Bringer retaliated. He swung his swords across and Juke blocked them at the center. From that position though, Juke was forced to back away. Almost losing his sword, he awkwardly stepped a few paces back while swinging his arms to keep from falling. In that moment, the Bringer dashed and thrust his weapons.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkveqxSbly
**CLANG**
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOeK2UtMJ9
"...So I wasn't hallucinating."
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7rFaJZh7o
The tip of his blades practically bounced off Juke's skin, and from the looks of it, made only a scratch on his helmet. Juke looked relieved, and the Bringer looked annoyed, and though I was distracted by relief of not seeing my friend be penetrated, I surged mana through the tendril.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApugbAbyn7
"It's a weird ability you have there. Fortunately–"
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhbRB4Ph9K
All of a sudden, right before the thorns of the bulb spew like the water of a dam, the Bringer flung one of his blades my way.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTVOJCw9IY
"I can just chip away."
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoB7m1fgC7
I tripped over myself trying to dodge it, and though all but a clip of my hair avoided it, it managed to glide through elsewhere.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPtoXXwAoS
My body reacted immediately.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7NNuSGGs7
"Urg--Glurrgh!"
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxreOhhxYT
The Thistle-Bloom was torn apart, and that viscous purple liquid ejected itself from my throat yet again.
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w5iBKnsEn
"Kid! Ah, shit!"
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DCAZTEFEg
I collapsed to the ground, limp and lethargic in my lazy legs. I mustered the strength to tilt my head up and look at the fight. Juke kept the Bringer occupied, but everything about the sight was wrong. That Bringer was missing a sword, so why was Juke forced to block every attack? Why did his posture falter while the Bringer's only strengthened?
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYQad5QfTC
Familiar shivers ran through my spine. My limbs denied my commands, and even my eyes forced themselves blind to the scene. Then the word "run" entered my head. And then I–
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tgaYYGJGU
"Kid! C'mon, I need ya here!"
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwiswZQrUp
"...Come on. Come on, just shoot!"
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjTmD4509v
A rush of adrenaline helped me endure the pain of forming the Dragon-Maw, but with my other hand, I quickly created a ball of fire and lobbed it at the two fighters. I didn't hit anyone, but the blaze separated them, giving Juke crucial time to breathe. He shot me a thumbs up while brandishing his weapon, threatening the Bringer just enough for him to back off.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNiCwPbna8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrb3lC7fIV
The Dragon-Maw snapped at the Bringer, knowing by instinct who the opponent was. But to my surprise, it didn’t uncontrollably charge.. Rather, it retracted, hissing at the adversary as if he encroached on its territory.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcvVZvLiTE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sVLk3roQS
“We don’t have time for you to act like this! Go, fight that cloaked man!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFRJU5urGn
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqshVsiAn6i
After my call, the Dragon-Maw calmed down. I extended my tendril, and the tide of battle tipped in our favor.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjToAY35e2v
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRnljgGpR1
Though carrying such a dislodged, extended mass was difficult on my tiny body, I put no energy into making attacks. Dragon-Maw complimented Juke’s fighting patterns superbly, striking at times when Juke reeled from swinging his sword. The Bringer was put on the backfoot almost instantly, and the pressure was obvious from his drenched face. Despite our suffocating offense, we never managed to break the guard of his blistering blade.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtz8DyeBxD
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH20dRRgaPA
He was, however, getting closer and closer to losing his footing.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrEdPvtUT6
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYjiQ9o5gg
Though my arm strained and heaved, I kept the tendril out. The Bringer carried Juke and Dragon-Maw around the room, lining its edges and narrowly missing the paper piles. At some point, though, I noticed that the Bringer had to block less and less. I thought for a moment that exhaustion from Juke or I was to blame, but as I narrowed my eyes, I noticed his feet moving further and further back.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRoD4Nkejk
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlge8deXkkk
And only until I turned nearly one-eighty degrees did I realize why.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AytE5Egbe
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hR5JwFEuU
“Crap!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclFMF092pN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG8Yhkn8sW
I stopped supporting my right arm with my left and quickly began mana expulsion. I didn’t have the time to make anything dangerous, so I conjured a messy ball of water and flung it at the Bringer. But I didn’t put enough for or mana for it to be meaningfully threatening. It merely splashed his face, not enough to stop him from picking up his other sword. But that brief moment of blindness afforded me a–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjXxq0kp0c
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6wqQVE1QV
**CRUNCH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGshTkyjols
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDdFzsyPjB
The Dragon-Maw managed to clamp the Bringer at his side. It didn’t bite anything off, but from the grunts of the Bringer and the new hues of red, it was clear that the wound was deep.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RAfyHrWSN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RjXmKyEHg
Unfortunately, that was all Dragon-Maw had to offer.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiaNFNh9U9
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc4AIzgQdn
Like it was a basic reflex, the Bringer swung his sword and cut the head of Dragon-Maw off. I clicked my tongue and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the ensuing, and brutally-arriving pain. My preparation suppressed it adequately. I was still on my legs, after all. But it was offset by my dwindling willingness to use the tendril, and by the way its brown roots shed its sheen, I figured it felt the same. I had to ask it for one more favor, though.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah0ZpnT0y8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g3fDFbT3G
I realized it was reckless, especially with how small the room was, but I didn’t want this fight to drag on any longer than it already had. Thus, I procured a–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx4cwHMXwI
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7Fo9UzSPe
“Child! Child, please!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYgeVnia0x
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUICKMNG5GN
“W-What!?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSI8UQ6RgX
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTAFSDZQF2
My focus was split by the sudden calling of the Dean, who rested behind me still trapped by rope.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfKshRvoQA
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHkAOZsU4W
“I can’t help you right now! I’m in the middle of a fight–”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNT3yPnvLT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIzvfGYYMq
“N-No, please, at least release me from these ropes! He won’t hurt me, so at the very least I can escape!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw2Uldv9Aa
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBgtjGYXTx
“...”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uwKNvkiyN
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6AKCGcw72
I had this sick feeling that the Dean was far sleazier than I initially thought, but under this kind of situation, I could hardly blame him. I didn’t turn to save him, however. As a Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip of my tendril, I stared with sweaty palms at the dueling two. Juke matched the Bringer far more comfortably now, even with him having two swords, as that injury was unignorable.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRcAn3AJWV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHK3G9jk3b
With that in mind, freeing the Dean suddenly didn’t seem so outrageous.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vukiWy5rQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz9S9Ljek9
“Please, child! We don’t have m-much time! If you–”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PIrf7gefk
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUw9FJhvFi
“I understand that you’re stressed, but please shut up and let me think!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2cekW5K4y
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJupNEcLN4i
Even though it would just take making a small dagger out of earth, sinking that time to free him felt like a terrible idea. I knew it was possible, I knew Juke could last long enough for me to do so, and yet– and yet–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxoqH7znMH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8TOreIHoe
And yet, the option caused my arms to shiver. To be responsible for his freedom, would just mean I was responsible for everything that followed.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqU0Jwyx4d
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW7CHWK4Di
How could I not freeze, then? How could I move like a lubricated gear to cut his ropes and–138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AzCuyDTQa
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKR435oQcf
“Kid! Watch out!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y6O5VbTD8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPYjqpM86P
“--Huh?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5S0hJeOaE
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc9UP2uTk0
I was swept from my trance by Juke’s loud, worried call. My vision registered with me then, and I realized that the Bringer was charging directly at me.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYilIyltsl
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNse5pNxur
“S-S-Shit!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX5toKkKlH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkt4jlqjG2
I did the first thing that came to mind: I conjured a hasty spell, shot it, and jumped to the side, causing me to land on my hip. Only, it didn’t go so smoothly. The spell I created wasn’t one of earth or fire, as trying to rush those would erase nearly half of my mana supply. So I created a large wave of water before moving. It blinded the bringer sufficiently, just enough for his thrust to miss me.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8amfhgmfov
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaLg4j0srM
**SQUELCH**138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53Tecingo8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7LPSYh091
But the momentum of that thrust didn’t stop at empty air.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCR7ZFnGm3
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyJzBnTCsF
“--H-Hrk!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliU5MzVz5h
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkjY98iYUm
“Oh?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X4y3gDneT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYzqvxIdNR
The Bringer rubbed the water out of his eyes and looked at where his sword had been lodged. He wasn’t happy or upset, nor did he look amused or angered. He had the look of someone who made a simple slip-up, like a man putting a box in the wrong place and merely shrugging his shoulders at the sight.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGcp3Qfr2o
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg2CRBjcOz
But the Bringer didn’t put a box in the wrong area. He thrust his weapon into the shoulder of the Dean.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOXx6RePCx
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpTr6onxwQ
“Ark… W-Why?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvtTthBAaV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdXAYV6CKO
“I don’t have a reason. It was an accident, relax. Goodness, just relax! It’s not as if I hit your lungs, did I?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz7aInwqWi
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXITj32bnW
He took the sword out and sighed, pinching his nose in mild irritation.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwmFvhyRid
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j9BWVE6Xd
“Bystanders aren’t all that important. You sit there and try your best to live, won’t you?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCo58sLVJZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEgWI1KImX
“A– y-you monster!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX44iBjRUlF
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiE26tbOXg
He rolled his eyes and pointed his sword.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUMhvbiuL4
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKaucKs8mO
“Shut up now. You’re just asking to be stabbed.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9AkE0mkXO
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs8pbO99sc
After that threat, he turned, looking right at me.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LQQPn3KYq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHzFIRAYqS
“What’s that face for? Are you just now feeling afraid?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3zuIisKnI
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QMJFYKa9Y
“A-Afraid?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGimZ89gaQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19UlffG2EM
I was stunned, undeniably, but it wasn’t paralysis. That wasn’t the case, because I saw the Dean right there, writhing but breathing, trying what he could to cover his wound. But to call myself afraid wasn’t incorrect. I could hardly keep myself from melting.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr3YqjFpBH
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBGjVzpnrk
“Don’t freeze on me, Kenny!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsiTo4QN2X
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhZhAFhkoX
But then Juke’s words resounded from my side, and the sight of the Dean became enough for me to move. Though, I didn’t do so before giving myself a necessary rebuke.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybdvDE3oVY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmdkA8t8M0
“Damn it. Damn it!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2UKJfLTFg
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAy9XhfjuV
I aimed the Freezey-Dry at the bringer and let it work. The Bringer stepped to the side, avoiding the wall of ice that formed until the end of the room. I didn’t have to face any counterattack either, as Juke kept the Bringer occupied while I ran to the Dean, forming an earthly knife.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXpOo33JoZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawZiiNqccf
“Come on, weren’t you going to be more courageous? Come on, come on!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pvhpacjWS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt3VRsDLyh
I hurriedly cut the ropes, slicing one of my own fingers in the process, but still managing to free the Dean. He grasped his shoulder and got on his legs.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcWUyLXZ0F
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKaiPnabk5
“T-Thank you.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7S9ogJ9bx
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShCDKwj0Sf
“What are you thanking me for? This is my fault! Ah, never mind! Can you walk?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLluT07vXT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdJ6JYMPcB
The Dean meekly nodded, which made me greatly relieved. I conjured up a quick earth spell and shot it through the ice wall, creating an opening.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqNgVwOoG5
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjYxHonSDq
“Go through there and leave. We’ll take it from here.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEGteXe4ML
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmsGR30aKE
“Thank you. T-Thank you so much!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKyphsqoc6
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiPKKGuIzj
Though his run was gaunt, he managed to leave the parameter without being stopped. I walked around the ice wall to make sure of it, seeing him go through the entrance, and then I returned my attention to the Bringer.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmozAnVdGSz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgyK5X4teI
He and Juke were still fighting. The Bringer landed stray hits far too often for comfort, but I saw a window when the two clashed their swords and stared.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUG2e8RvJT
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYWI75WtCE
“What’s the matter, helmet-man? Is something on your mind? Your swings are getting sloppy.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYJofo9cEY
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxrWalhWyC
“...I hate yer type. Ya bastards always read inta shit ya shouldn’t.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5OLTqUqps
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE0OMnFKzp
“Juke!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0CMwcK64v
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLcATCbr65
I interjected as quickly as I could. I formed a ball of earth and shot it at the Bringer. He moved to dodge it, but his toilsome wound forced him to hiss and I managed to nip his shoulder. Juke took advantage of the generated momentum, swinging his sword barbarically but only scratching the Bringer’s cloth as he dodged. The Bringer clicked his tongue and massaged his shoulder. Though it was a reach of a call to make, I felt confident that his shoulder was dislocated.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm8A5C2SIc
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh9XR6YzMm
“That kid is such a nuisance!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AxoLzI6cV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxaFdCmkIC
He yelled an enraged sentence, jerking his head to me and glaring with dagger-like eyes. I brought my tendril out in front of me as a kind of shield, though with the ferocity of which he sprinted, it clearly wouldn’t do anything.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjc4XD2oDP
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbmTdzo1G9
Fortunately, it didn’t have to.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirgZl5OaRG
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0w7sPTRskE
“Ahck!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg7F9iepI9
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdAVaHfq9c
A gust of wind came from my right, slamming the Bringer hard enough for him to tumble to the floor. Juke followed his spell by charging with his sword raised. He swung down and collided with a shielding scimitar, unable to break its barricade. But as they struggled, I made my move.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE2FIqv8qd
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcCvfdzEcI
A spell wouldn’t do me good, and this wilting Freeze-Dry wouldn’t fare any better. My other offensive flower had been pierced and shredded, so I only had one thing at my disposal.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvzBo5widM
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6knLwlugd4
And so I extended my tendril, slamming it as strongly as I could on the laying Bringer.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxH8Le0aKsS
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm2dhKouK5
Juke moved his sword in the nick of time. The tendril caught the flat side of his scimitar– to my great relief –and crashed directly into his stomach. The air escaped from his lungs, and remnants of his meals flew out of his orifice. The blow stunned him well, and I retracted my tendril so Juke could quickly finish the job.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRuJNXwrHd
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHirrodfmen
But, that did not happen.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD764nAp5qG
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qRTBAsWvt
With gritted teeth the bringer kicked himself from the floor to his feet, keeping Juke and I at a distance while pointing his swords. In the midst of it, I prepared a spell with my left hand: the embryonic stage of a geyser that would hose him to the wall. Preparing it took a while, however, and it was within that window of time that the Bringer138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQeOjpFzPv
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2K5WCmy28
“I’ll get you two… oh, I’ll get you this time!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsbDt5QoBQ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmN5DW5fZa
He twirled his core along with his blades, swindling himself like a leadenknob. His arm covered every feature of his face but his eyes, and he glared at us with the eyes of a feline.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PfL5JuwlW
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZeHPOBIs1
From his body language, posture, and exasperated voice, it was clear to me what was coming: that bizarre technique that troubled Juke and I when we first fought.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvESUCespPh
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhrgqJUoOH
And he let it rip just a moment later.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm2h6mWyaI
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8Zt03PKRS
His speed was unprecedented, his rotation made him blurry, and his rapid blades howled in the wind it sliced. Though he spun in a rocky direction, it was just accurate enough to gain ground on Juke and I. And I knew that helmet of his wouldn’t last under such a flurry.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGAiUB5u7K
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9Kl9e9M7U
But true as that might’ve been, it wasn’t his helmet that would be put to the test. The Bringer veered from Juke right into me, approaching at a speed I could hardly react to. React I did, however. I produced a flower from my tendril and injected mana into it as fast as I could, and before his flurry of blades came, I had something to guard myself.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKruVTseYir
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HipZfJdHR
The beige and jagged texture of the Valencia-Bloom’s shield defended me. Small enough for me to carry, but large enough to stop speedy metal from sneaking past. It kept up with the flurry miraculously, as every cut it received closed immediately. Dozens and dozens of cuts, and none strong enough to pierce through.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q2X7yZZBB
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJxEDickmV
“...!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCw7ueNua8
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTlRyugNCw
None so fierce to kill my plant.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kNbpLxPOZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qPkcOaOsl
“M-My arm!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58acl1qh6b
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolvwgeepoB
But with how often they came, my arm came close to failure.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7ZDv5t4VR
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjNxYdAZio
“Juke!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq0iNKmP8I
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L1pk4rsp2
“Gotcha, kid!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfCPH6uC38
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0urqFB44fb
The barrage had no effect on the shield, but my puny arm couldn’t stand against such pressure. It was impossible to keep it up. I could already feel the fear seep into me; flashing images of what would become of me should those spinning blades connect.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBDJpSMMSq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWv4TjJmju
But something unusual happened in light of that. An action I didn’t know I had the capacity for, but was driven by nothing but my own will.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SqKjlxf00
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHUKuS0iDh
I finally finished the spell with my left arm, and I shot it before I inevitably faltered.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1Ns3jVvCV
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vv8G0MzLp
It wasn’t a clean hit– the complete opposite. I couldn’t aim my palm in any useful direction, but the force of the spell was so great it still adjacently struck the Bringer. As I didn’t have time to plant myself firmly, I was sent flying as well, colliding into the wall to my right and across the room.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUYFBK4dvO
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKpZ23wYLL
“Hrk!”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9Z4ZH3E10
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRwrRieAIr
The slam was ugly, and I slid to the floor like mushy food. I didn’t let myself rest then, however, because that Bringer was still alive. I stood up and peered over the Dean’s desk, at the Bringer.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4OaAWExJz
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKh4ABDMgp
The Bringer, whose back was skewered by Juke’s blade.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubMiNd3q4I
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7AAZ6tjDy
“...”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzgfzx8mxo
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHfHp2APnP
“Thank ya, kid. Ya made it real easy.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnmmzN0lIr
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HCpbIubOf
I didn’t respond to Juke’s praise. All my attention tunneled to the Bringer. His gaping mouth, his constricting eyes, the fading strength as his staunchblades slipped from his grip. He finally turned his eyes to me, then to the man who left him in such a state.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuJWoCLG4S
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsXRmBD6mc
“Curse…”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5v1x1Crrp
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡticNwCmXjJ
“What’s that? Can’t hear ya.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmfsLfZ57X
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OLk2NYaIr
“Curse you, you strayfreak. Your days–”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaX1oFJdy3
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xDnKDswQo
He cut his sentence to cough. Blood leaked from the corners of his mouth– an organ of his was hit138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmLNQd9uy9
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhiDQYrqBV
“May they, be few.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcfFnc62jI
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHbtl43lo7
Another fit of coughing followed. It was intense and abrasive, ripping at his throat with each installment. Their strength eventually dwindled. His noisy coughs turned to raspy whispers, ejecting all the piling blood that clogged itself in his throat, lower and lower volumes as it progressed.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqdSpIREPb
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhJoi723CV
Then he went limp. Juke dragged his sword out of the man’s chest, and he fell to the ground with a hollow thump.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28n0zSvAOZ
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs70Q3bnXG
“That was… sad.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNdwT3NJbU
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBTOkc0Hju
“Sad,” Juke asked, tilting his head as he shook the blood off, “What’s so sad about killin’ this freak?”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBIvPTvGHq
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceBPhaOXfg
“Well, I’m glad he’s dead, but… I didn’t think it would be so, so meek.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL99Pa0Jd71
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt7IlF8NDR
“...Yer weird, man. Yer weird.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRgjO8JD3X
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICiCrurr5L
I chuckled at his assessment. He had a point. I should’ve just been glad to be alive, shouldn’t I? I showed my gratitude by taking a few steps over to Juke, raising my palm with as sweet a smile I could make. He matched my gesture, and we high-fived.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQovk05E84P
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkt8UtArjd
“Good job. I couldn’t have done it without you.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xot6D4d1d
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67oavryk2E
“C’mon, kid. A weakling like me–”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4bUdRSGhR
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9c4gZiJCZ
“Don’t continue.”138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kXsI17mor
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2HsouILkx
I looked at the Bringer’s corpse. In a twisted way, it was a trophy. A tangible token that indicated our success, our reclaiming of the Central Pillar. If the lower floors have succeeded, that is. I didn’t want to think like that now, however.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFpPpAQwUp
138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YweuypYuv
Instead, I collapsed to the ground, because the distance I ran had to catch up to me eventually.138Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7OUaWuErn
