Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVxJRrlVXl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fpToRkunT
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpJUsxqDkY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3eAqzaLAi
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtY8qpzD4eu
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT3b3t5EPP
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfkdeQJO6p
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP3Gr4Mggc
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y1vl0umec
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMx0s1Lfck
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhcuw9Zgbx
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfVBIyCGfY
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj0sAgOQdk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyZBK8g4dy
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8XaE4MsSD
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPYlYlJ6GJ
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCRIRJaf8V
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfzrUoyZEc
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgL5hcYb4P
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS8KEJoKtb
**BOOM**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVsmaUMurb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKEIdcBXkH
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJReWhVwo8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQAcWCXA2X
"Ack!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjQr65fEmq
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8avWqQfv4C
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBJ6dULfoj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaiTxpPnTt
The room was a catastrophe.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYlO1tmRjj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMj9aQxIiB
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXaIWq2lMU
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7xp9GkMGj
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QlZ8aCDkz
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQz2xQ1cnX
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vhK7WlXgW
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdEhVjyOEV
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs79ZMMf8GG
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJkrgw2jj5
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHMEZ0QEa1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujIJA0eCyZ
**STRIKE**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LjUr1M3lT
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNDLicJg8d
–only to be immediately interrupted.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1qCU6uZ2w
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf5tifPa5F
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmTt7Qv679
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDhvYcOKpY
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUqWozKKPg
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1z35kZUEd
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy9E56uvm2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdEL9r9HD2
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWVxgH2w6a
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ6URe9bJ6
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAnK75xiKD
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwal9mezjrX
"C'mon!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxjxXqoMdB
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9zaxmoi1y
"--Ah!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd4vkytxYw
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLFF0nvs8K
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC6aeuHvLt
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtv6Zd9errC
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmnsZKz2zc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DJNN98mRD
–
–
–
What a moron.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WW9o22CZI
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDTBrmCgaQ
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DQEzGfuee
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32uQZWITfb
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeQcGj07bR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c3eIyckJ8
**THUD**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XXro6Xnmc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEastU55Ow3
"Ngh!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSlM4DyoWW
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLHV2zQ1JE
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCeQz87TiW
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBdpwQ9mkb
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVkYwUi3RB
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXRsH8cr2R
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNUwSaiz25
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiqpGE93U0
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyBO5gDV3z
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggAwfPisny
"--I should've known!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbU8ZoOrfx
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5S16DMsHt
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPQnwyMhCR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFJSn002Aw
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41eGbz3rjr
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZHRQgpV9l
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CTkhwBmIt
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkk99twwKI
"DAVE!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWJLbThVPv
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKwl2l9H7G
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuGbb13bcK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WZbvi1wfG
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EWUAIziW0
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC72XrrSUOI
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDW2E6c3aL
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiAOdRxDMR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Cxw5gLxGD
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDrJOTVTkb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq7VkoDo2d
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrNh2rZlC6
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5F09bbNkS
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENDj0Thdms
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxNzaCKIZa
"...Those are our first casualties–"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sms23z4UN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsarZGsKDul
**BOOM**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflMUXlpgkp
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwtLs9eLOX
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYM8Fv0fSE
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cHtR48g1k
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2NjLJGoid
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq6xqLmnKK
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N8XaZ4Nup
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iE5X558e4
"I'm here now."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8nlscNnT2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM65zg15kHO
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MtOi5Gx1h
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQORIB11zq
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItLRDyf5rE
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVkQaF20Hu
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7uXe68Gv2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYTWGiDzp5
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5UbzEsVez
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE14al4NSO
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoyWSZPFFF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zRbFnTY1b
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKepP8VHl6Q
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTXWxmoB5J
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0azugJvrPW
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBobUc2Ha1
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxSBqCqdDo
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeceV2fHrzX
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8viowrGL7d
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97wFSPrjdd
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXNrABftkP
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0eNXTdPsR
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJDvNYnRL4
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFekHD6JNv
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzFZjiQBAk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKciMyGcNe
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0uGn7mxWN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGujQFuU2R
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NIhxOidq7
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXwFIQROsE
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx05QMzNW3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4JckmO3Zo
**BOOM**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHCjjxuxwK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp2NvZktsM
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFYhStZOe1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yLgQKIigH
"Pars!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbczKZiiOkY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1yz3xYLDj
"Huh?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kjxAugIuO
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU3Gtma8BP
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykaSwJ09UX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zfAn7ZntC
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCbmRduuwd
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zMlh4lghn
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdl0rxDnF2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeljhqsXvpq
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcWpXx3T1w
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh0MvijJK2
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tjpMcpAO8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxbbIWUiOv
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvplRys5Foz
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoJoASF83i
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtV099j6b0
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY2AJmGckK
**CLANG**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHU2VafOsr
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQFJgQonl4
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlBkNJ90cl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCOhEFdGBN
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6puziOeiL6
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV6GintWPy
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVwLITZOq4
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EEjrxgIRi
**SLAM**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1XvN8BQL1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5byzx8zo9
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA0SVyKAeN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqFMNgNl6V
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROghoe9cDF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeemOAR2Uw
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKmWJ2LVcj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMWiWPZsF6
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBnZsl33B4
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGMpwuZxOk
"Ngh! Shit–!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20NP0rFSWR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6y5yw9ynL
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh1aZpc5IN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJPz7FJd9M
But then–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrHoq6DaE3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGHuRMyZSn
**BOOM**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgcXNwSMnb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOtNjmZa9K
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9YJuHTrO9
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFwXNmEdwD
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RJkA6bDW3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRilnI4AXH
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeskBYR5h5
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfdaJhUtpV
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvurnwUNIK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69nkuC4O21
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVScpd0iJx
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsUqEZQWaY
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDMiECk389
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GWSTtbH8p
"Gah–! You scared me!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpn0430jG5
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2CTHdJW43
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P7J7BVusX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EjkWS46q3
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxWsZAEjtc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvBcra35DQ
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ3Rs6v19R
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGrorRDnvs
"No, this is terrible."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xBk9yFUF3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqiXyNns6x
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf14yI9PTj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lVqL8jpf1
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1taLcWfXQZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9HO4FNlPN
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgvt1q3cf0
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUdiPj3C6n
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3a77jFD09
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmSPMkOnyf
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w4iPnHhhI
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODqzMBpMs3
"No. No suggestions from you, please."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxDEuBG65f
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ipkbh7uG0
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpp3k4Toni
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBGFx5z5ui
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPb43Gf8zN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboACLsMs96
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g9fXygGZX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cLncUQR3C
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyMwqohnZc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2AwhuLfBn
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJmBpZPINy
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXZiY7sZqs
Still, no response.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G3AhjIKbL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EY76l2wxF
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg1HhxDI6T
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zRBlnM5oP
"Because you're entirely incompetent."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96rpMlECAU
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOPezDaocZ
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6eczx3DMc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdWxYSG2pv
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyDUv8OzIY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdZhb8Q7GA
"..."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAswNETA4f
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pr2DjkOMP
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4nR7Hb6p7
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjjN5aO9Ve
"..."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0AyY8CwnY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHyX3pPceX
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4KZeYewad
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvbzxXYpe9
"What?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbZj4uqd8W
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBNCxCYA9p
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQntDHNpz8V
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNAoqW0THE
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJOM55gdow
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyxz3v6Hyk
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb136HVfJpL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCbUo7ddpk
"...I see."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Jq3es8bm
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwPjaLa8Tc
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lJSMzxuJz
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkr1OTrZb0
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5iQbA35p9
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukEw9aDntU
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLE2CxUv8w
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfsgPGXDq7
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6rtfIcCP3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu26ytXbGTx
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMxUSReCzk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn7ygGbdKm
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLfdp5uIZ1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XDXrun02R
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIetrauJyD
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dI8E9XiMB
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPg8iuahIZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6CGK0dG1q
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBY7MYaVOc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVsTPewohf
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ0dFJSmJB
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSLNEt1ykl
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8j9qplmZD
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RWzTYsvtw
"Alright!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJljkzr6Dv
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGiNKHZREz
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY8J0YUxhv
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWG8ZnTvnp
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1sPLLelgY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyO9EZWWnS
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KJZt4Eigb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtC0BylFut
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCksLsAryIL
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54qpKLEVk6
–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YvY6XUyRd
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT7LYXyLFp
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs1TcPOaby
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz9wNrZfya
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqv2M4YcDA
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJsSkhNJlx
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow5fSlpdHl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFRfDuz9QB
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00mmM4jtGK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuGIucR7dT
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsqapkw8rs
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZoI2vr6Ms
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCquQVuTYuX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPAyxDEvyu
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZdeGd17A8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmHssDJkAl
"--No!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0aWAzDPXk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbXk5sM1V6
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCBEBmiXje
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbv8EvUiED
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivZ3KcDOTb
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFpeA6nBFv
"Hyua!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA695nlBoVR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsnK8nC2Ql
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKNEL6NIRH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp0kW27JTv
However, he did have another sharp object.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBAUqogCsa
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KjAWaHxp3
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKIDXwmYa3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO83CWq4DeQ
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdlsyqGZiC
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz5R8KZVQK
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLlO0W7swF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBSJTmYXZL
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus0mNG2ZJT
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdkmgZeVXG
And what came was–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLj9ECao5Z
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ112rP5KHXk
**BOOM**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZeXeBrTRP
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9cSKnyD6u
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu8re1uEAN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMqJQNGOR5
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqmPQOsZHc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbobBFQRety
"--oop!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZNLoJxXby
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBH1UbRK5X
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMMrFXtSrh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYC1BRX2MS
"You... you're a sick jokester."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDmjVt7vzK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsYUcBUpvM
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaa1wHNpW8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOqwwmYRsO
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q6H6HMHE7
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehzFuMtvRM
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ648mRfZYLg
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe8AUEESBV
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimTXMmFxS2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcDx2eyhgY
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12MIodsLxY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPd3vNIZ1N
"What the hell... what the hell!?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgam52BtZYh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPOxSubaDc
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXHi04FjnU
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbT8ZMO2ee
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GLJ7f7AUu
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5fZcn7gdn
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE4JNBUIuJ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRuIo37syE
"...Heh."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLhumqPUsn
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOz1uM9Oyj
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLFVHmkPI1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhjgRmWoyU
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOo2BCKUgN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA9c312nXI
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKjzV2O80g
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcJmkZqigh
**THUD**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2CEN5KoLV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ceg0h6oJU
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7cRVcKaXK
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e41nHf2pP
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXeDtBZFGQ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEKVDSXyDh
"Though I have to wonder–"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fKv6PheSI
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ646ggHbJRM
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkLRQIvhrr
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYEhEWLphf
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUrFkwCdYB
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqnfcW9r7U
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToMfkj5rSl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQwWS1F47Q
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb8H0YXNHn
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCBLMjM0c2
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tTTI1Zt27
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTFFgOuxyI
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiERQXuLiiP
"Irritating...!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lijenvmr3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vz9hVRUWl
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw2N5JddeR
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50sBk0cfA7
Dave didn't like to use spears.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ2CBgwr1B
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNul3Bzd8U
"...Haaaaa."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X5nmMKBrH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ntDMLwWXQ
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz63vmyYOk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡichTTLwuvK
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86n9XpXfXC
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqgVv6FGnG
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGaNZHriko
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNTofs42EE
That's what he always told himself, at least.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcnMJNWp88
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5TPbA2D8K
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TFOcqZYeF
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD57PFRkrH
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0to64UNXH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7lqb15SUX
**CLASH**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gtq63MUzH
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJutvOdoFeh
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxX2A09pf8b
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk2tnguQdI
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhRjn4cl8e
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6m6Fp5pir
**CLASH**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBI3A5Okbn
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rUXI9U68j
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHE1bw1GHV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8KBL4eRuo
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD6Hs1UtW8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61BehlFLyj
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5WzQze2lQ
Confusion–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerbLZH4e8V
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8zfr0sZXx
**CLANG**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwpeLBriZl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMwo5iKodv
Delusion–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF4ktRSj2h
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytbRPnMNS6
**CRASH**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sPZLDHMH3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr5jhaFLqo
All lead to one conclusion:467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk9JCtuwDi
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScBJxM6TcZ
**SMASH**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCloWU5236
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXLWwtFAvR
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0jA2qx1Mf
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmXcuqGidf
"...No, of course it isn't."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyT1yYf98b
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfIBFaHIsA
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwHZtQcXRn
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQmxK8rQFg
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xVi81bTyS
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqS08oi3JT
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gNhzxJ8to
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa6L3WoCmB
**THUD**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d8TPqLA2i
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoO2ssYGPf
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFRfv0aTl8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM78Pi0bsnh
"Pars!?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYR4gtRJ9b
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyNNRmNNDU
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUoeXcbxko
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmW9TRQ9fW
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WMypXlvgE
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAZvGRthXT
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHAXRu1MMG
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9Fk55YXLn
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xgS8RYz65
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO7h2Z450b
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSP5jXvNOu
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3LN2Z4Ooh
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEHf7FkIZo
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD6I3rToy8
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpM9Lr2VJn
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHk3oXdkuO
"What do you propose?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61oMH7R2Z8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfgIOdzpFb
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeC5c5UPos
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2yBCnxbFY
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjchxETOtqu
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySNUGk2N26
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMxtbCZBMX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZho9AvMIw
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ5u1VYTSm
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOvaJ7c61g
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPxlWqf8zl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VQuTMGFUd
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqORtxmQs7H
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlFKmTth1l
"--Huh?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji0JRNCpQB
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEZDvCTymP
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRS0fvrdie
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuekYCK8UAS
"...Always backhanded, huh."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RRU6XGOQ2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyokF0QsmG
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXSnrSsuOM
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbkb6vxqgH
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVGO5xxb3i
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxS91D22ct
"We likely don't have one."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHawYj1iSD
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTOtpV0raJ
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgKgJanDIj
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w4BJ68JB4
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXm4EbQTEv
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd75FKyAY0f
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QW61OFdH6
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLG1bFIXCG
"Well, if you insist."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwtDLYL4r2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzV5YbnksW
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wFO8a6LFY
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCxy3nt281
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI69kDkz0z8
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ8ebXSfaN
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcAjrXwh8j
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3W0gKywHV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNafyhfg2Ds
**THUD**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREOB3W1333
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfFkR9OdEu
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTzBha8xNv
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFhwIiCmP5
"--!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfixJKEg1aQ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGI6WWKnvO
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdmSQ2qG2L
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuHqlhsDls
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YX60u4PKr
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt9rOEJdYd
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kSJC1Yzlg
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nhSbKWaKi
**SPLICE**467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfzSl8p1rV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw8MuQF9RE
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGN1VIREuQ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0cBerbUaK
"I missed one."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDthBOX7X1
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanBP5JP4Ij
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXhow6taA2
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dah3HZbiG
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco0u06g0zJ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh6cHzPeqB
"Hey!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDJlEQqxqz
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDLz10m7Cg
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpG2yrAYDV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZCeeMk6us
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzgQdzrjTG
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gDForx6FL
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC08igCfnC
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnFF1CETCQ
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLx9jWnK0h
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX6Zq9m3o0
"I never said that."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELP4ALVanw
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt35oD8NEm
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYQQ2d5IGD
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqwauNJ2zc
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpchKgfLgVg
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtgo3H6b9u
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhJS761scn
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBCTS1Zfh2
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dpla4AGIu
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnEAjjremp
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz7uJDmHOS
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFKthrBqoS
"Haaaa. Damn you."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjfwstP1IT
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrs39gzhRh
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLxubX8cG8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee3LDFQmrK
"They are dead, right?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFkjcacO6X
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajpc72a3nE
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcw7PXWxsgJ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1XDhZv7yY
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXCQH6ZnO3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqfcpbMwtd
"I–"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMknpYy8M0j
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr25xZ6BCBN
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5rABfmFkv
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3p5aLBPu5
"Huh?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mIv7JJf1I
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2cbvvYs7T
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SA91liTHT
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm6v4Sesyj
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBDTwlZJmX
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISPEA1Uksu
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk3KPp0zyf
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLWxXhwNHi
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykqmEooQ2H
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRph3dJYtDl
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbbUJsq4NZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffPKEGFWPF
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmcpfgXQwl
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamFND9CrKg
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpF1VgVTk8
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKu9P4r9lL
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IS3zV8TQk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQffrgqZwuz
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4iZ8DootO
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yNoV3pyFw
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiamyEhwma
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4Wqe6psdC
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6IkyrSL3z
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAEsmKha3G
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHV9Gy2Lil
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv3jpjDEzD
"You raise a good point."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKurWeSDCc3
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevDFfEg6EQ
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfwa9BekMw
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtsNR0el5A
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr4eD6lutV
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRgydM0NDO
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVgMXCQwkW
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQkZyioohA
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYccdxbbvc
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWoKxp1vzA
"Ha, abandon?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nV4Tb00Uh
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkSuQPI301
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyZprsvS7d
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JKdxI1vNc
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GXror18sB
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0FtrXY45W
"If you were, it was backfiring."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx3B2B76Y9
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQbLmlCV6i
"Harhar. Very funny."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rpiB5zpkG
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdIshNMRzA
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLNG7G0TWk
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiLNW1CzEb
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXb4JceBae
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgoMserzby
"Aren't you conceited."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNNL1Hcxbp
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBsGtwPdlp
"You think it's arrogance?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hTCqvfdOw
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA2NaXPkSh
Pars began to stroke his chin.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64t1bz2BLZ
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPNMoXCrLZ
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqY7gXaULC
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e3QzrjaNz
"But what you want isn't just greatness."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKrdjw3ECY
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYoRRg4FJC
"...Yeah, you're right."467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6RygrI96q
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLOXgWaMEP
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKS8DPubMd
467Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mfQl7wu3f
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
and then Add to home screen.