“...”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy95JXRZQ9
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVmw3cmZxI
“...”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQkhcOQSYk
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I couldn’t explain how it wound up this way. Maybe it was how I always lagged behind, or that other members were simply more courageous than Juke and I. Maybe it was bad fortune becoming of me, an ugly trait that reared its head in inconvenient times. Pondering an explanation was a useless endeavor anyhow. At this point, I realized it just wasn’t always needed.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfXmfN48Rr
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRYcMPQ4AL
But still, to think Juke and I were the final two members was absurd.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcRso1P8v6
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk9iWo6HEq
I didn’t have any evidence, but my gut screamed at me that the final floor would be the most challenging to combat. I readily acknowledged that the Harbinger was on a lower floor, but all the suspense that had been accumulating in my body informed me that wasn’t the worst of it. Perhaps it was a superstition– no, it absolutely was –but I was still compelled to tell Juke of my hypothesis.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeCKiN3Sgu
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfgg2P35mH
“I have a feeling–”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQVv3lPchM
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9E3brhlQq
“This next floor’s gonna be a pain in the ass, eh?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJnGMweRmY
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aXMYVqFi6
I was momentarily stunned at his read. Only in mind of course, because my legs didn’t dare to stop climbing.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMeknIZfiM
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3shEHrEDIY
“Do you also have that feeling?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3bm7dzpR6
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RwLw1EEtx
“Nothin’ like it. I could just tell by the look on yer face. Either way, I don’t think we’re gonna deal with somethin’ so meddlesome.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYOY7SgxlI
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCyizJeVEv
“I don’t know, Juke. I just don’t know.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVYk7yaqsL
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Cg85xyuXX
His words appeased me a little bit, but I still found it nearly impossible not to wonder and assume the worst.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOF8M45g8N
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQz8ZMmY3H
But, ultimately, I reminded myself yet again that that hardly mattered. Now that we’d arrived on a flat surface, there was nothing to do but to walk through that door and eliminate whoever was behind it. So we made sure to make a loud entrance. As I was able to match his pace, the both of us busted the door down. We ran into the master’s room, a spacious office stacked with papers. It was different, and far, far messier than the Foreign Pillar’s.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHgf3O3LdL
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawcg56VcFh
“Y-You!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWcXbBge8m
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rfssJu3r5
I was shocked by a sudden voice from my left. I turned my head and saw a skinny gentleman, one I could only assume was the Pillar’s Dean.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLn0GhVxQQ
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBc3zR3J7M
“T-Thank goodness! Please, release me from these ropes!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBLcf4YlNa
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpiZKdOIk3
“A-Alright!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo2waa1lxN
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10bMXZm2Kt
Whether his words or his pathetic visage swayed me, I ran to untie him all the same. But I was stopped in my tracks by a hand grabbing my shoulder.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6DqxPldRy
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxDy0JQvoo
“Hey! Juke, what are–”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9rPgeUIoO
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM3FbP0Nv2
My question was cut short the moment I looked at where he was point. Now, I was looking at the reason behind the different papers, the reason why the dean was tied in rope.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi1QyULgBW
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbROprWkKJ
A man stood on the desk. A man with a robe I knew all too well, but more importantly, with a style of hair that I recognized. He turned his head towards us as he put a paper down, and frowned.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x11tjLPzr
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4OudTYYwa
“You two… I figured it would be you that I meet.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvioa2GA8aS
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpfWqaAJf3
With almond-shaped eyes and a jagged, unusual hairstyle that screamed “punk,” the Bringer in the streets of this city right as this mess began glared at us with the sheen of his blade.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW76sUybMr
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw2kWsVOsT
“He’s alive!?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauiAmVvpYW
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4AjhJDEd3
The shock of it all was one thing, as the last time I saw him, I was sure he was pulverized and left to bleed out. But what truly made me yell in such volume was that he still had both of his arms.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu8EGMrfae
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBNqlYPCue
“How the hell? I cut yer thing off, didn’t I?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm89hPJ6LAC
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvMIbgnAOv
“My ‘thing?’ It was my arm, you ass! But never mind that. What matters now, is that it’s back.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YUTuG5Suf
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4fzlGyXl8
He said it matter-of-factly, as if none of it should be a surprise. Missing limbs weren’t impossible to restore with highly potent, albeit rare and extremely expensive potions, but processes like that took months, often years to complete. And they would only proceed smoothly with frequent tending and doctoral observation.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN9wg0GeUN
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqcPUU1t77
And yet, it had only been a little over a day since I last saw him.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIcUjnAUge
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchHXWsTvM3
“Kid, that ain’t possible, is it!? Tell me I’m hallucinatin’!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF5gSYqn3s
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP0FRYJ4uN
“...Well, not exactly.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEnpx9X2AG
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMN0A4842x
I could see his mouth agape through the steel of his helm.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HZc6Xhh4Q
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwtXapwK04
“Restoring limbs isn’t impossible; I tried and failed to make a few like that myself. But to be able to do it that fast, there’s only one explanation.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjlyePqm0e
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6aWOpBwlX
“Tell me, won’t ya?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pSQDKuS7m
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzxBgzxptl
“There’s someone in Hard-Bringer who’s a Grade Zero mana spinner.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclRmztSeEb
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYNwyEh8se
“...Seriously? I thought they were one-in-a-million rare.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlteIAbKpN
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbE01GFBmd
“It’s something like that. I’d call ourselves lucky if they weren’t our opponent.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVV5fPGSAK
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3pi5bAG14
“You got a sharp mind, child– Bison Frost, right?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVWw3HlqfI
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPZGLlo7mZ
I clicked my tongue at the mention of the name. And to think I forgot all about it.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcSzkyPUNK
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCICSzlR9T
“There’s someone among our ranks who’s a world-class healer. It’s phenomenal to see her work, really. I was out like a light, but by the time I woke up, I was better than new!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mUHvPvENk
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49QBj8ENhP
He pulled the sleeves of his robe back to show his vascular arms.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKRlrfrYUh
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHjnBoClYw
“A her, eh? Looks like I know who ta’ look for.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFiJRwMwUE
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIUMsOXvm7
The Bringer’s enthusiasm dwindled with Juke’s remark.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ625xSrKPCX
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8UaDMJQos
“Right, I need to watch my tongue. I can’t be too safe.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCQavJKvX8
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27ATMK2YSC
The Bringer hopped off the desk and reached for the other scabbard on his belt. Wielding two curved blades yet again, he stared at us with crazed, narrowed eyes.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LxB6CEWoR
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxnU4bjLyY
“If you two are the last of your platoon, that’s perfect! It means you won’t get any help!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxIgJyJETT
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmK2p1XeRV
He took one step forward, a clear indication that he was going to charge.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ITd7IM5K9
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIcEwj89pG
“If I can chop you two up here and now, then we can pack up and go home!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3bSN5aMfY
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aamWQlG9y
And then he broke into a sprint, igniting our unexpected rematch.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz2Peuu3Vl
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag9CxKiTAN
–
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMequFbTD3
–
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY7Q5ynU1V
–538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdLtNTd38K
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The Bringer’s immediate dash complicated this whole mess. It might’ve been my fault for not taking Juke aside and speaking of a plan, but there was nothing I could do now. I didn’t have time to speak with him about our battle strategy. It helped not that the Bringer’s gesture was so sudden. It stunned me for a moment and forced me to think of a counterattack. But Juke thankfully had a quick, simple proposal:: he just drew his sword and matched the Bringer.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wtcWj0HtH
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hAeQqLV1d
The first collision of the battle followed right after. Juke blocked a double swipe with his single sword, and immediately I noted that Juke had more physical strength than the Bringer, as he was able to keep him in a lock. The Bringer dashed away shortly after, glaring at us while humming curiously. I was oddly disturbed by that gesture, but I had no time to contemplate. I drew my tendril and sprouted the perfect plant for the occasion: the Thistle-Bloom. One of the first plants I ever copied from Prince’s garden, Its spikey bulb protruded from the tip of the tendril. I squelched its root as if I was choking it.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnB3tLTcvN
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDDw7bis93
Juke looked over his shoulder, and seeing that I had a plant out, he gestured his hand in a question.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5uui06Fz9
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjcmkZ3acs
“It’s ranged, that’s all you need to know! Keep the pressure!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec1neGQNC3
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisdkvlq4j9
He nodded right after, boldly charging at the still-humming Bringer. I put one knee down and bent the Thistle-Bloom, aiming it directly at the two fighters.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDqfZ6W20Y
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUJWuiDo9W
It was impossible to safely shoot while the two were in close combat, but that bothered me barely. Juke’s endowment gave him a defensive edge, and with the constant threat of his sword and wind magic, the Bringer would be forced to back away eventually. I just had to wait for that moment, and as I did, I keenly watched the battle unfold.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhu7mP6awx
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWuSZz3mm8
Juke played the offensive role spectacularly. I wasn't sure if the Bringer was hesitating from past experience or gauging him in some fashion, but the end result was that swings were being thrown his way. None of Juke's swings connected, however, and the Bringer kept too small a distance for me to shoot.
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNh5REIvJn
Eventually, the Bringer retaliated. He swung his swords across and Juke blocked them at the center. From that position though, Juke was forced to back away. Almost losing his sword, he awkwardly stepped a few paces back while swinging his arms to keep from falling. In that moment, the Bringer dashed and thrust his weapons.
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ814jdPs4Ud
**CLANG**
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcDUnqBs5X
"...So I wasn't hallucinating."
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2QvBxrCx2
The tip of his blades practically bounced off Juke's skin, and from the looks of it, made only a scratch on his helmet. Juke looked relieved, and the Bringer looked annoyed, and though I was distracted by relief of not seeing my friend be penetrated, I surged mana through the tendril.
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3TbmyXoYu
"It's a weird ability you have there. Fortunately–"
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX5h7u8Lln
All of a sudden, right before the thorns of the bulb spew like the water of a dam, the Bringer flung one of his blades my way.
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE91z0v4SGN
"I can just chip away."
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXXhgJXdhU
I tripped over myself trying to dodge it, and though all but a clip of my hair avoided it, it managed to glide through elsewhere.
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvXawyT3X7
My body reacted immediately.
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejmZ0VImud
"Urg--Glurrgh!"
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkBSdgoNKU
The Thistle-Bloom was torn apart, and that viscous purple liquid ejected itself from my throat yet again.
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ8Ldb72Fv
"Kid! Ah, shit!"
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdNMmOiDBp
I collapsed to the ground, limp and lethargic in my lazy legs. I mustered the strength to tilt my head up and look at the fight. Juke kept the Bringer occupied, but everything about the sight was wrong. That Bringer was missing a sword, so why was Juke forced to block every attack? Why did his posture falter while the Bringer's only strengthened?
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxWc4fCUFk
Familiar shivers ran through my spine. My limbs denied my commands, and even my eyes forced themselves blind to the scene. Then the word "run" entered my head. And then I–
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jY5SCFjbP
"Kid! C'mon, I need ya here!"
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfmQ3KzVdK
"...Come on. Come on, just shoot!"
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZmAWQOgie
A rush of adrenaline helped me endure the pain of forming the Dragon-Maw, but with my other hand, I quickly created a ball of fire and lobbed it at the two fighters. I didn't hit anyone, but the blaze separated them, giving Juke crucial time to breathe. He shot me a thumbs up while brandishing his weapon, threatening the Bringer just enough for him to back off.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7juzX2xvtg
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq93nKdreL
The Dragon-Maw snapped at the Bringer, knowing by instinct who the opponent was. But to my surprise, it didn’t uncontrollably charge.. Rather, it retracted, hissing at the adversary as if he encroached on its territory.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZHbIpFBE2
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBlWUTFOJd
“We don’t have time for you to act like this! Go, fight that cloaked man!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uEHeUGwGK
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpX0g6yBQQ
After my call, the Dragon-Maw calmed down. I extended my tendril, and the tide of battle tipped in our favor.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflPC2pfNnf
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHWsWkR51Y
Though carrying such a dislodged, extended mass was difficult on my tiny body, I put no energy into making attacks. Dragon-Maw complimented Juke’s fighting patterns superbly, striking at times when Juke reeled from swinging his sword. The Bringer was put on the backfoot almost instantly, and the pressure was obvious from his drenched face. Despite our suffocating offense, we never managed to break the guard of his blistering blade.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKs4edeecu
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNArrqVgS7
He was, however, getting closer and closer to losing his footing.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhOkN16NJc
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBS0Mv9LSf
Though my arm strained and heaved, I kept the tendril out. The Bringer carried Juke and Dragon-Maw around the room, lining its edges and narrowly missing the paper piles. At some point, though, I noticed that the Bringer had to block less and less. I thought for a moment that exhaustion from Juke or I was to blame, but as I narrowed my eyes, I noticed his feet moving further and further back.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalCozMUKnZ
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vbPcREt0l
And only until I turned nearly one-eighty degrees did I realize why.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrqdpvONJR
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRujWyhnlix
“Crap!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TLMLT1Lwu
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQqkWAJbDv
I stopped supporting my right arm with my left and quickly began mana expulsion. I didn’t have the time to make anything dangerous, so I conjured a messy ball of water and flung it at the Bringer. But I didn’t put enough for or mana for it to be meaningfully threatening. It merely splashed his face, not enough to stop him from picking up his other sword. But that brief moment of blindness afforded me a–538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V8v3eiKKg
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTINQDr6c4
**CRUNCH**538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r4LM56rTb
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVyCI6OE5A
The Dragon-Maw managed to clamp the Bringer at his side. It didn’t bite anything off, but from the grunts of the Bringer and the new hues of red, it was clear that the wound was deep.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckV9olXeGU
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgVh6d83PF
Unfortunately, that was all Dragon-Maw had to offer.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UFzYSA4tv
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiQ3rkXlDg
Like it was a basic reflex, the Bringer swung his sword and cut the head of Dragon-Maw off. I clicked my tongue and closed my eyes, bracing myself for the ensuing, and brutally-arriving pain. My preparation suppressed it adequately. I was still on my legs, after all. But it was offset by my dwindling willingness to use the tendril, and by the way its brown roots shed its sheen, I figured it felt the same. I had to ask it for one more favor, though.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUUJZV9q2v
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bUTNDGokh
I realized it was reckless, especially with how small the room was, but I didn’t want this fight to drag on any longer than it already had. Thus, I procured a–538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOKPCt9vnQ
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9XkXpxNQc
“Child! Child, please!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsCQVWr33w
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuxk0K1dd5
“W-What!?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zpcCM3ikc
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPsuC9ekdP
My focus was split by the sudden calling of the Dean, who rested behind me still trapped by rope.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eXk3Xay6w
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDyVBoTa6a
“I can’t help you right now! I’m in the middle of a fight–”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ6HSG9KKp
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy85HMseMg
“N-No, please, at least release me from these ropes! He won’t hurt me, so at the very least I can escape!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvinpz2B8R
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDp9QV6yDN
“...”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsat4ONceJc
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZsqQSkktq
I had this sick feeling that the Dean was far sleazier than I initially thought, but under this kind of situation, I could hardly blame him. I didn’t turn to save him, however. As a Freeze-Dry bloomed from the tip of my tendril, I stared with sweaty palms at the dueling two. Juke matched the Bringer far more comfortably now, even with him having two swords, as that injury was unignorable.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXSd65DN32
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡay57xt08EQ
With that in mind, freeing the Dean suddenly didn’t seem so outrageous.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN3WR0XqmA
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J3qz0VvVj
“Please, child! We don’t have m-much time! If you–”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3hgpk1wIs
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs33CU03jq
“I understand that you’re stressed, but please shut up and let me think!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6Sm2yUF3j
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVybOp0NUf
Even though it would just take making a small dagger out of earth, sinking that time to free him felt like a terrible idea. I knew it was possible, I knew Juke could last long enough for me to do so, and yet– and yet–538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwYdZocopA
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1tuaeI8Rw
And yet, the option caused my arms to shiver. To be responsible for his freedom, would just mean I was responsible for everything that followed.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1GiQ5Aa9z
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9uh1dkhb4
How could I not freeze, then? How could I move like a lubricated gear to cut his ropes and–538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdKyNP0B0F
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdddzNMdHxa
“Kid! Watch out!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpHXtiJS1g
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJxJFYOvhl
“--Huh?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zw2UGkay6
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkpQCv5WCG
I was swept from my trance by Juke’s loud, worried call. My vision registered with me then, and I realized that the Bringer was charging directly at me.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItar86QYCP
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJqwaS4kai
“S-S-Shit!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFWcCyYzeD
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkxGd0Riav
I did the first thing that came to mind: I conjured a hasty spell, shot it, and jumped to the side, causing me to land on my hip. Only, it didn’t go so smoothly. The spell I created wasn’t one of earth or fire, as trying to rush those would erase nearly half of my mana supply. So I created a large wave of water before moving. It blinded the bringer sufficiently, just enough for his thrust to miss me.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgPlYhKXp5
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKizzAUANwU
**SQUELCH**538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq46kKlvqJF
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiljeFQiKp
But the momentum of that thrust didn’t stop at empty air.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8Ae5jcBR8
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmQZOCOmYL
“--H-Hrk!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX42ogPiuxx
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhG8fdNxL5
“Oh?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhnIedDzlA
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrktZhswmxV
The Bringer rubbed the water out of his eyes and looked at where his sword had been lodged. He wasn’t happy or upset, nor did he look amused or angered. He had the look of someone who made a simple slip-up, like a man putting a box in the wrong place and merely shrugging his shoulders at the sight.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgsWyvzm5i
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICSkz3smcN
But the Bringer didn’t put a box in the wrong area. He thrust his weapon into the shoulder of the Dean.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGhwA55xKm
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEVL0j9IZA
“Ark… W-Why?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvcBg1xft1
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxkuWUhHvR
“I don’t have a reason. It was an accident, relax. Goodness, just relax! It’s not as if I hit your lungs, did I?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy7Cb89bke
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3nl8it5I1
He took the sword out and sighed, pinching his nose in mild irritation.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBtRe7A7i9
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChnYYwn7ff
“Bystanders aren’t all that important. You sit there and try your best to live, won’t you?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpSHy9P71z
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFdXAhSZZy
“A– y-you monster!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUJX7jYnnw
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIisljTapx4
He rolled his eyes and pointed his sword.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHIhM2SY0P
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcn4dU7auD
“Shut up now. You’re just asking to be stabbed.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsGoa3ZEBh
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KTIxSkquc
After that threat, he turned, looking right at me.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul0nPQothI
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK27kClulCO
“What’s that face for? Are you just now feeling afraid?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOMJLrhjzk
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsAAtS2bx9
“A-Afraid?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBfuSDv8ha
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmZjitI0wn
I was stunned, undeniably, but it wasn’t paralysis. That wasn’t the case, because I saw the Dean right there, writhing but breathing, trying what he could to cover his wound. But to call myself afraid wasn’t incorrect. I could hardly keep myself from melting.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtvPrEl3W2
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRycpQ9LUP4
“Don’t freeze on me, Kenny!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhXHIUz9zq
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkz0qSDAHxS
But then Juke’s words resounded from my side, and the sight of the Dean became enough for me to move. Though, I didn’t do so before giving myself a necessary rebuke.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VWv0HK22l
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb2mQjmt7V
“Damn it. Damn it!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv20EhZgaYW
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaG8qRDQak
I aimed the Freezey-Dry at the bringer and let it work. The Bringer stepped to the side, avoiding the wall of ice that formed until the end of the room. I didn’t have to face any counterattack either, as Juke kept the Bringer occupied while I ran to the Dean, forming an earthly knife.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6P9x1ba9n
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8YeqAECfY
“Come on, weren’t you going to be more courageous? Come on, come on!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdVGchJR4Q
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVHu1NmWrI
I hurriedly cut the ropes, slicing one of my own fingers in the process, but still managing to free the Dean. He grasped his shoulder and got on his legs.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrWA1sF4OK
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CTWGLGTRu
“T-Thank you.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBACC36JmBL
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwpoReoqGj
“What are you thanking me for? This is my fault! Ah, never mind! Can you walk?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcdPVmShkv
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGJNot4Q40
The Dean meekly nodded, which made me greatly relieved. I conjured up a quick earth spell and shot it through the ice wall, creating an opening.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeWqls6XPm
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTVtryr997
“Go through there and leave. We’ll take it from here.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkqsjbcM8e
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpJRx7ZZzL
“Thank you. T-Thank you so much!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxXT24jx7M
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWnmfyKhJc
Though his run was gaunt, he managed to leave the parameter without being stopped. I walked around the ice wall to make sure of it, seeing him go through the entrance, and then I returned my attention to the Bringer.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TkJmHYMWg
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAHE3QvDUN
He and Juke were still fighting. The Bringer landed stray hits far too often for comfort, but I saw a window when the two clashed their swords and stared.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgBtdVZSen
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanlW2VJYls
“What’s the matter, helmet-man? Is something on your mind? Your swings are getting sloppy.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY7a6j3Ma7
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYzD5t7DGV
“...I hate yer type. Ya bastards always read inta shit ya shouldn’t.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsWiAreKhe
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0a0BcYdFw
“Juke!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pMZbCRWRR
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1336MPlnm0
I interjected as quickly as I could. I formed a ball of earth and shot it at the Bringer. He moved to dodge it, but his toilsome wound forced him to hiss and I managed to nip his shoulder. Juke took advantage of the generated momentum, swinging his sword barbarically but only scratching the Bringer’s cloth as he dodged. The Bringer clicked his tongue and massaged his shoulder. Though it was a reach of a call to make, I felt confident that his shoulder was dislocated.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vlfsdndjO
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4nU99d8a0
“That kid is such a nuisance!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktEVo0TByQ
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOrBF7C40C
He yelled an enraged sentence, jerking his head to me and glaring with dagger-like eyes. I brought my tendril out in front of me as a kind of shield, though with the ferocity of which he sprinted, it clearly wouldn’t do anything.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UX6FMbT8T
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPU9c3xe9C
Fortunately, it didn’t have to.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8syFFMuGZ
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwaKol0eSa
“Ahck!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs45UzYTnqY
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH7tsUQAZT
A gust of wind came from my right, slamming the Bringer hard enough for him to tumble to the floor. Juke followed his spell by charging with his sword raised. He swung down and collided with a shielding scimitar, unable to break its barricade. But as they struggled, I made my move.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmSaHMcaZa
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwvap2mcfB
A spell wouldn’t do me good, and this wilting Freeze-Dry wouldn’t fare any better. My other offensive flower had been pierced and shredded, so I only had one thing at my disposal.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93cN9BAj89
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09VjK0p0S5
And so I extended my tendril, slamming it as strongly as I could on the laying Bringer.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYidPYUR2an
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylnCvuoqz3
Juke moved his sword in the nick of time. The tendril caught the flat side of his scimitar– to my great relief –and crashed directly into his stomach. The air escaped from his lungs, and remnants of his meals flew out of his orifice. The blow stunned him well, and I retracted my tendril so Juke could quickly finish the job.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSb7ZJAzrV
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCDy4nB4jr
But, that did not happen.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrt0sRvp2z
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLJon392qQ
With gritted teeth the bringer kicked himself from the floor to his feet, keeping Juke and I at a distance while pointing his swords. In the midst of it, I prepared a spell with my left hand: the embryonic stage of a geyser that would hose him to the wall. Preparing it took a while, however, and it was within that window of time that the Bringer538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXcpY4lNIX
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhT2czTbnX
“I’ll get you two… oh, I’ll get you this time!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPwvq87xKv
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35Fv7OQe33
He twirled his core along with his blades, swindling himself like a leadenknob. His arm covered every feature of his face but his eyes, and he glared at us with the eyes of a feline.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaRZ5VV11h
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHLqwBFUnV
From his body language, posture, and exasperated voice, it was clear to me what was coming: that bizarre technique that troubled Juke and I when we first fought.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7hZRC1BB8
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrHld39W5j
And he let it rip just a moment later.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJEYQxn1lh
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdQUbF11V1
His speed was unprecedented, his rotation made him blurry, and his rapid blades howled in the wind it sliced. Though he spun in a rocky direction, it was just accurate enough to gain ground on Juke and I. And I knew that helmet of his wouldn’t last under such a flurry.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJOBWnStXo
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXEAJpn6YD
But true as that might’ve been, it wasn’t his helmet that would be put to the test. The Bringer veered from Juke right into me, approaching at a speed I could hardly react to. React I did, however. I produced a flower from my tendril and injected mana into it as fast as I could, and before his flurry of blades came, I had something to guard myself.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SPr4YcNNN
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbtNwSXunf
The beige and jagged texture of the Valencia-Bloom’s shield defended me. Small enough for me to carry, but large enough to stop speedy metal from sneaking past. It kept up with the flurry miraculously, as every cut it received closed immediately. Dozens and dozens of cuts, and none strong enough to pierce through.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHirAZNAkZn
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBHCsI9k7N
“...!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI20qTyhFNb
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlYPwQlc8y
None so fierce to kill my plant.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYK7z2j5ne
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1fkImlBYi
“M-My arm!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vzHux7wm4
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaAUgvIBny
But with how often they came, my arm came close to failure.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjT7qyDumX
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAwkEEWAFh
“Juke!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gZvRwEx3B
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSbnezSzqq
“Gotcha, kid!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MaSvAPqZu
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGMWKLj0sh
The barrage had no effect on the shield, but my puny arm couldn’t stand against such pressure. It was impossible to keep it up. I could already feel the fear seep into me; flashing images of what would become of me should those spinning blades connect.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bkpUwgUeK
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2uGIAxYEc
But something unusual happened in light of that. An action I didn’t know I had the capacity for, but was driven by nothing but my own will.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXBwDzAHaZ
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW5OBwLu6t
I finally finished the spell with my left arm, and I shot it before I inevitably faltered.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygowLX6Fok
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmDNY65NdM
It wasn’t a clean hit– the complete opposite. I couldn’t aim my palm in any useful direction, but the force of the spell was so great it still adjacently struck the Bringer. As I didn’t have time to plant myself firmly, I was sent flying as well, colliding into the wall to my right and across the room.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YIRI8ty2Y
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOelHfu3h4
“Hrk!”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVVA8ln5hi
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XJ5ubgmkv
The slam was ugly, and I slid to the floor like mushy food. I didn’t let myself rest then, however, because that Bringer was still alive. I stood up and peered over the Dean’s desk, at the Bringer.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnQtrh9xfQ
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVHN3GKUGg
The Bringer, whose back was skewered by Juke’s blade.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3rwDjGht8
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1myYhTnj3
“...”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR6LferWyQ
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dZK7Ncvc4
“Thank ya, kid. Ya made it real easy.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF7sG4L5VV
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwFVmTMqP3
I didn’t respond to Juke’s praise. All my attention tunneled to the Bringer. His gaping mouth, his constricting eyes, the fading strength as his staunchblades slipped from his grip. He finally turned his eyes to me, then to the man who left him in such a state.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRRF7sh5IG
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5eqmbiB9S
“Curse…”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIkZqExE5G
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbUfxbzDK6
“What’s that? Can’t hear ya.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmIBxlHvX7
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3tVQVRE15
“Curse you, you strayfreak. Your days–”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ549BBkHK8M
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MkHuhWvUc
He cut his sentence to cough. Blood leaked from the corners of his mouth– an organ of his was hit538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3ctniIyeq
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxM9yDIFA8
“May they, be few.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6ghaLsG4z
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ9tx8DwDV
Another fit of coughing followed. It was intense and abrasive, ripping at his throat with each installment. Their strength eventually dwindled. His noisy coughs turned to raspy whispers, ejecting all the piling blood that clogged itself in his throat, lower and lower volumes as it progressed.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8fqGkDZl0
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4VVCXCmpe
Then he went limp. Juke dragged his sword out of the man’s chest, and he fell to the ground with a hollow thump.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1YuFWc4IB
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVJ6YnCsnl
“That was… sad.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudMll5njfq
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVuYoIKkyz
“Sad,” Juke asked, tilting his head as he shook the blood off, “What’s so sad about killin’ this freak?”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg82Z97Jlxq
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qbRRzTS8W
“Well, I’m glad he’s dead, but… I didn’t think it would be so, so meek.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3QQbQfhZe
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJrMF1TGfS
“...Yer weird, man. Yer weird.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TumxlfOhe
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4ARV4sCRg
I chuckled at his assessment. He had a point. I should’ve just been glad to be alive, shouldn’t I? I showed my gratitude by taking a few steps over to Juke, raising my palm with as sweet a smile I could make. He matched my gesture, and we high-fived.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT52LYZMjnj
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzMOPQiGQv
“Good job. I couldn’t have done it without you.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38PDjDh8Py
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLhMShtnZ8
“C’mon, kid. A weakling like me–”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIvDqvwut5
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHslsGs3WA
“Don’t continue.”538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzOGaEPtLy
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFy29w77Sc
I looked at the Bringer’s corpse. In a twisted way, it was a trophy. A tangible token that indicated our success, our reclaiming of the Central Pillar. If the lower floors have succeeded, that is. I didn’t want to think like that now, however.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3H6FURlGV
538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxEMbUMogj
Instead, I collapsed to the ground, because the distance I ran had to catch up to me eventually.538Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFx3a1y8rV
and then Add to home screen.