Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7im3mWGXN
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnthKTnTsW
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k0twtVGXr
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbi0SxqqNI
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGmlTumAab
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3CDcShHY7
"What are you doing!?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWnfgh7nKa
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYDsOn3CXJ
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKUsRW33U4
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eejnvoZb5
**BOOM**424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nADCrrFma
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ2NPk19yi
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8hnTXycAw
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchrDvnBiHj
"Ngh, damn it!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxkFMQPrYH
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOMPN8Xm95
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzVKiVxDOG
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVKYuazpx7
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyh7Tzd2V6
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEHzDDbyxq
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oMMRdfsqx
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSu3o4bxIc
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eBCG1cNul
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXWJrQgZMK
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzkdjVbOkw
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JHq4Jh3CJ
"--Damn it! Rover!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iZ0WRr27l
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1VPJCTHGv
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMoBYIoFj7
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VNEH4tLdA
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2xEcuVvd6
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsPaM3rfv8
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YhcKIiqoA
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD0CHcJVbe
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B3p7c5O6g
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bjaWmpzoB
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpEGlqqOs1
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr2a63WdQW
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNtttiaHqz
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rAU5rzybf
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgPqAEN8aR
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4LNoFG4An
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhAFTlq9ZE
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q2MUPXZ44
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthTuZBZfbW
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVfU3zE8IS
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzDsId3PDs
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh95ApxiBcX
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip8NbE8XjH
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoKsHIjNbV
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgYVE7M0n2
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgv11GIl9E
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RQl0Pr8H6
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqXDGqaHX9
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5WRMw7wPU
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSKjjdpOZ7
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh3dzsuMHT
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBIiqbYoWR
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wfN4KkPD1
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2mvzmGcWn
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiatq8zXSC
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgUPlXg6tn
"Hey, Kenny!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncM3Oaup95
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7iJWqCd4q
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEebHJAHYz7
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsFKTfjBik
"I-Is she okay?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7BtiyrOQA
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dt3wAqG5A
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQoDdexxWY
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMah4CJtf1L
"I don't know what that is!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KKhRLMxcl
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHgUBWfWXN
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ffqOgPjff
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnQkK7VuNw
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAvQmlgVzK
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtTY5jNDrG
Though, that did raise the question–424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNdzlNCPkg
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhssvq1NDb
"Do you know where you're going!?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO98YhKeks
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0EGYqUZ23
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsKhWgITrT
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgxRZmUyUu
"Ah– where is Dennis?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeVaIzRl90
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGuf9Wwjet
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DslnxO2Cd
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqkITnGaEY
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOzW1cKgeH
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW2Wj5uYf8
"Shit."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJUFXgDS60
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ419kDBLEDU
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvH45HKPQ5
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1ykPY3YSd
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqHc8cXCv2
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpFfcLzSW3
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xviA5jMbT
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvyfFv0LUT
"...Alright."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUU4DJfFGo
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKV3utKhgO
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEoU606ING
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf0Rxbz0ja
"Alright, I'll take yer question."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6e1NLgSWX
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCUIOnvLUE
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnru4a5ZRGG
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC0FHTX86X
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gz80SOQo0
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCsyvjvCK1
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxWHBlIwCZ
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr42sleb37Z
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ypdm6x6VC
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7MuQUphSe
The man stopped speaking.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKarCTgndl4
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGUVUCckyl
"Alright, carry on, then."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmh3VQnAXK
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqfUGUAoi4
"...Eh?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y6a1I8DgJ
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGnVzgCEXl
I shared in his confusion.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fzQ6CAaq7
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv38BF2avR
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcHGieOmJT
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4OYsb5PRA
"I-If ya say so!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82MVdJF95T
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICZcwoiAsy
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyxdPq829R
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bPwgbrrHf
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPKGXmXKCr
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWrDQmqxTQ
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20Wbx9CLRq
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIHrchTCIC
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sbz2kH8gH
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblUWhst4LL
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcWTBsWvLk
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkRXQ04gHy
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfcjsBTFGC
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKCCMckT8c
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uourNGL8Y
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ipRjf8rBu
"Damn it, kid!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xcvtwxhKc
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBk1GZtrbe
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRgxfG61ha
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlrYBMYBUx
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EpUsoTweO
**SMASH**424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOznIdRDN9N
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU0zCZ04xp
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp8vN3CouD
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDiJVuYjjc
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ741esAW48g
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWadNYD0f8Z
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkO7J5qCnl
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIrBKrcDYC
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KMz303R5W
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmn3olPZu9
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnldSPRCMQO
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoB4I6upPd
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYlvXMUTHo
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF29iTswQ6
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl4qj10BJ8
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv0eDjdewP
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyYoGqSoqT
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74W20iuHoM
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFYTUBbI8t
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV6l1hqgF9
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6pbwJicar
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HWjfNGcwb
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4xIo55K4p
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHIXSHhO0G
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNry0ankP4
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3dAYjyOtY
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqHjobOg0j
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlDpGILXJ9
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy7bjehuYY
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthxwWTluKK
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKjBpNkbXS
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmGc1qyLRT
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSsu3ttAsb
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOx0hgzhrPt
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNrRopdafR
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFhWJqk1l1
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtku38s63Ho
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP3H7eGzdf
"Like I'll let ya do that!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4kMx2KPci
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt1cfQ3hiV
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eXjKRavpW
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XrZNN2Hvd
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWTyYOGkFK
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8JGN17nqP
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscwlXB7C8K
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEg931cxvb
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPfSAi9v5r
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaizEg9n6y
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWyz95Ewf8
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvR6MLBdzG
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA77g7PTbBY
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27NMrXscbo
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZG83PoSD5
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wQqQMfhMu
"--Hrk!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZwZ5Y5K5N
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZifStqups
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuAqPzYj6r
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX73lVRBsP
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxzcA2hTLB
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtxs46dy3e
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerP7sJtcE1
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRTh0xONmL
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgwllMGmlx
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm5aHHla1S
"Whatever!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyik3SnanQr
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0h4tZ0bcN
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWSajsGxI9
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOneQLVoBp
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw044KM8ls
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOnycmUr4Y
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4N3d2cMFr
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Dread, worry, guilt–424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1pJdi48Pd
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtdl7ZaSxq
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDoX4jdbn1
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ix5EspeTF
"...R-Right!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz3zaL1R9A
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa3lFMhDjy
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGx4spTOLr
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2du75yqSg
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAaVjr8HhF
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEYjg7IxCR
**SLAM**424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesYaxZgk7X
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzMHEeI7pu
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06Xim1MT8Z
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUNHkUQhtr
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON52dGCeoQ
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOIfViB44Q
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD8ssJa4Yy
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W86aYUIw8
"--Ugh!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hrmOJMO90
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BUE32S2kn
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIOvd2PDes
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3k2O0E1SD
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIzo2acugg
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf9bvOl8t6
**SMASH**424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBuLS06wzJ
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcBT6WQn1f
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU4UcncMSQ
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66KgDSA5B8
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12cQbFJIDE
"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1A0dlItTu
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAWoHlZxL7
"Ah! Sorry!"424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgywVej9Kd
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse7U4v0W5X
Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUqSmOSrkt
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeQwTVxLnn
"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztGUTmdvWr
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2qRKSjmib
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmCc5GYRrL
"N-No, that's not it."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdtFQmtXia
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4diwret4RI
Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2ynjdIIOV
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnWFehb4Fq
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo2MLwDiiL
424Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr4Byfum1M
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.
and then Add to home screen.