The crowd sprung from their hiding spots, darting to the Pillar, flailing weapons and roars. I was late to the call; even Juke went ahead without me, but once I got my bearings, I sprinted in with my tendril brandished.26Please respect copyright.PENANAzhtQghqoHP
26Please respect copyright.PENANAWGZpdIj7dz
The truth was, though I ran with purpose, I hadn't the slightest clue what to do. I looked left and right and observed the other members of the crowd. Some took up battles with guarding Bringers, others continued their onslaught. I slowed down, thinking of offering my help, but the crowd members made their adeptness in combat immediately known to me. As assuring as it was to see, it left me lodged in place. I looked around frantically, shaking sweat off my head with every turn.26Please respect copyright.PENANAyWYoR9bCQ8
26Please respect copyright.PENANAgdnEdN5gcf
"Kid! Over here!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAc80AzUVhAX
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtsbY2a7Ta9
A voice called out to me– Juke's, and immediately I was brought back to the moment. He stood near the entrance of the Pillar, and to that destination I dashed. My head turned left and right rapidly, and I had to duck a few too many times to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Once I arrived, I skidded to a stop.26Please respect copyright.PENANAkIukFnyJSG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAVVg2EC8wOd
"Ya ready!?"26Please respect copyright.PENANADuE6jBMFIj
26Please respect copyright.PENANAxQYibaR3zY
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAYJKOClxgf3
26Please respect copyright.PENANAp7pVX8Kobz
We barged into the building with the rest of the squad. Nearly half of the members branched from the group to battle the guarding Bringers. I could only catch Lola and Pars before they finished their assault. Their attacks were effective and quickly incapacitated the members, if not outright killed them.26Please respect copyright.PENANArlgk6wlbhQ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAeKQGOB1wpn
I couldn't help but avert my gaze at the bloodshed. Doing so, I noticed I was just about to ram into the person ahead of me. I quickly stopped, grazing the man's coat but narrowly avoiding a clash. I held my hand to my chest, frantically grateful, then stood there wondering why he stopped in the first place26Please respect copyright.PENANAodLxIuosMu
26Please respect copyright.PENANAuGw341vPOr
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.26Please respect copyright.PENANAVrtqe1B13K
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmQuDMfvmB4
"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAJxzi4Jxc9n
26Please respect copyright.PENANAuH6bttTtdc
YEAH!26Please respect copyright.PENANAkeKQlix8nB
26Please respect copyright.PENANAUNN34jz3LF
I was ready for the roar this time, but still, I shook, because the plan Lola had just created hurled me into a spiral of disorganized questions. But I hadn't the time to even form them; the crowd moved immediately after the instructions were yelled. They went ahead of me, charging, and I would've done nothing but stand there and stare if it wasn't for the smack on my back.26Please respect copyright.PENANAfvwMzKBmxr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAroTPL6UGAD
"Ack!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAe7RnGjjDZF
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQp0SZPYkPJ
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.26Please respect copyright.PENANAkyDVpT4GdN
26Please respect copyright.PENANANV5SlltGfi
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAkTGpdtfUJK
26Please respect copyright.PENANAo0BMX5NYuN
"R-Right!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAYuxfIuqXC2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMgz0uO6bx7
I shook my head rapidly as we followed the rest of the group, slapping my cheeks over and over. I almost folded then and there. Chiding myself verbally wouldn't suffice. I quickly resolved myself as we ascended the first set of stairs, disjointed from the rest of the squad. When we arrived at the second floor, the group was still again. I thought for a moment that Lola might've forgotten something, but as I peered around the crowd and saw who stood before us, I became just like them.26Please respect copyright.PENANAtnBfcnQFQs
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFef18CxcjK
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."26Please respect copyright.PENANANkVjO2sKf5
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFTPkPtLBg0
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvc3aGWqGuA
26Please respect copyright.PENANAt7fYIQmb5Q
"Crap!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAzmP4UQ0d87
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPRTsOt0jsS
I was worried, naturally. Having fought her before, I knew of her strength. But this was a different scenario. This time, I had a group of powerful fighters with me. By our sheer numbers, she shouldn't be a considerable threat.26Please respect copyright.PENANA7u2Z2XQ4pD
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmP5U4Uufqh
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.26Please respect copyright.PENANAwkqvk9zqN1
26Please respect copyright.PENANAeIlLoAikTV
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."26Please respect copyright.PENANAK7M1Lty3zX
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXHjtq16bdo
That comment put everyone on high alert, and only made me sweat more profusely. Having just been told that there is a time limit to this operation was a kick to the stomach. I looked at the rest of the crowd. They were brandishing their weapons and seemed to be readying their spells. I raised my tendril, half-heartedly ready to strike.26Please respect copyright.PENANA8a3zyiRg6K
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGFqGtDIfCw
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.26Please respect copyright.PENANAtkJx72JWTn
26Please respect copyright.PENANAVv2dDtn12X
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."26Please respect copyright.PENANAcyCZtEm4Za
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3KbZG7pBQ
"L-Lola!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAxDWnK8I0w2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqDV3appBgp
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.26Please respect copyright.PENANAVWrFp4NBDE
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXcEAhkyEjI
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"26Please respect copyright.PENANANv1Yhq8U48
26Please respect copyright.PENANADdUD3mqgtG
And the crowd did. It dispersed throughout the room. I went to the left side, eyeing the Bringers and preparing to respond to any attacks. The Harbinger just clicked her tongue and stepped forward.26Please respect copyright.PENANATrx2bEFYS1
26Please respect copyright.PENANA2eWOiMUT56
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"26Please respect copyright.PENANABQYbW7L7gW
26Please respect copyright.PENANAcoa6fKYMyt
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."26Please respect copyright.PENANAasrhaZkvDI
26Please respect copyright.PENANAv07rF2Rw6r
Shockingly, she ignored the rest of us. The few lackey Bringers were overwhelmed by our numbers The rest of the crowd descended, but I hung around for a moment and looked. I started at the floor. I saw blood and torn fabric that didn't come from the enemy, and as I raised my head my gaze fell on the two women.26Please respect copyright.PENANAYBqh4MbcHa
26Please respect copyright.PENANAaFbaVQbyno
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbd45z239HD
26Please respect copyright.PENANAd9zjZhXNuo
–
–
–26Please respect copyright.PENANAJX0T2ZVg4T
26Please respect copyright.PENANArSti2autgr
Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAHgi5WHeQbe
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqbonAYVBga
By the standards of the Pillars, the room was spacious. Desks and chairs occupied space intermittently, and none were in such a position that they'd become serious obstructions. Despite the ideal conditions, Lola's brow twitched, because it was the abundance of furniture that allowed her powers to be so effective. And due to the material the foundation and exterior of the building were made of, she had ever greater restrictions.26Please respect copyright.PENANAkUCmzL6Fjr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAd5FcZvb8dY
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.26Please respect copyright.PENANARG4xd2MbFu
26Please respect copyright.PENANAdYuM9DqUFI
She shifted a leg back and shrunk her posture, pointing her dagger like a cat rearing to pounce. She didn't move, though. Her other hand hid behind her back, expelling mana and forming a mass of rock. The Harbinger tilted her head in response.26Please respect copyright.PENANAzlOJJMZ32H
26Please respect copyright.PENANArhrIbzX39o
"Do you have something you want to say?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA1SHYL3kMsP
26Please respect copyright.PENANAfjCmHQk9xa
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.26Please respect copyright.PENANA0l5T2KH4bv
26Please respect copyright.PENANAKkbhK7me0S
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJEbqAmZw05
26Please respect copyright.PENANA0Beas0I8kq
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."26Please respect copyright.PENANAOXlHs5sMp8
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3tfm2i1PY9
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."26Please respect copyright.PENANA82QdFPYGWm
26Please respect copyright.PENANAu7AojdrnUK
The Harbinger threw her head back while rolling her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but suddenly, she took a defensive stance with her knife with a reverse grip. The shift made Lola jump, and her mana expulsion was interrupted.26Please respect copyright.PENANAG2cw7n2JpT
26Please respect copyright.PENANAB12SRehjYI
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."26Please respect copyright.PENANAOy0vv9q3Ux
26Please respect copyright.PENANAA35fWx1WDJ
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.26Please respect copyright.PENANA8AuOj4C8wp
26Please respect copyright.PENANAgjS1ZfRnJ0
"Call me Anima."26Please respect copyright.PENANAg0ztfIG2vV
26Please respect copyright.PENANAipfsu0Rf9u
Her words came out of her mouth like hurled stones. Sluggish, spoken through a calm demeanor, they were laced with an apathy that stabbed at Lola's composure. A flurry formed in her chest, the one she felt every time she had to do the dirty part of her job; a putrid, crimson red. Only now, its color was blighted with a grassy yellow. After Lola's initial shock, the change dwindled in power. It was the same business as always, after all.26Please respect copyright.PENANAC1L0YoUwZG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAlquL75VpQg
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.26Please respect copyright.PENANAxEQ20qPfFh
26Please respect copyright.PENANAsFsIu7GvxZ
Then, the Harbinger dashed.26Please respect copyright.PENANAgflX98NcRW
26Please respect copyright.PENANAH12i2G1RdQ
She charged at Lola with brisk steps, holding the knife out like it was a battering ram. Her speed was surprising, but Lola reacted accordingly, dashing backward. Anima clicked her tongue, stopped her advance, and veered to the side. It surprised Lola, but she dispelled it quickly when the image of a flying chair grew closer and closer. She couldn't duck, so she stepped to the side, but an armrest of the chair caught her shoulder.26Please respect copyright.PENANAMWvM85VJXh
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmKrVRdRNNQ
"Ngh!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAlfWvW7b1N6
26Please respect copyright.PENANA954y9cF2n5
It hurt, but a bite on the lips drowned the pain. Anima's absurd move confused her and raised dozens of questions, but she had the time to answer none. Her opponent advanced, getting close enough to attempt a few swings. Lola dodged the first two, but after ducking the third, she pointed her dagger and thrust it at Anima's chest. But though it looked like it was sure to hit, Anima strafed to the side and avoided it perfectly. Lola's body committed to the trajectory of the knife just long enough for Anima to–26Please respect copyright.PENANA8WaoD8DBEA
26Please respect copyright.PENANAYPboM1rQNJ
**THUD**26Please respect copyright.PENANA3B5Zwgc0E2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQQT0Y8doQ9
She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.26Please respect copyright.PENANA9Ql5j9HEZ9
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGj04ADe7BS
She caught Anima sprinting towards her. Too confused to make a complex motion, she simply fell on one of her knees and began mana expulsion.26Please respect copyright.PENANAS9GHQDBPek
26Please respect copyright.PENANAzjud3W30MA
"--!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAuqsf82QmWe
26Please respect copyright.PENANA89Piqw0Dhk
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.26Please respect copyright.PENANAAcw8titusf
26Please respect copyright.PENANAIyypbSl5by
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."26Please respect copyright.PENANA2Ako8KauQ3
26Please respect copyright.PENANAyPjl55fj77
As she regained her senses, she lamented the state of the room. Even the floor was magic-resistant, making it nigh-impossible to use her earth magic in such an offensive way. She desperately wanted to devise a plan, beginning to regret how carelessly she entered the battle, but her opponent handed her no such luxury.26Please respect copyright.PENANAfPtWBz2ED4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMWy0TMP8yN
Immediately, Anima jumped over the limp stone slab brandishing her knife. Lola was forced again to act defensively, backing away from the aggressive swings of the Harbinger. She swung once and twice, then followed up with a stab. Lola prepared to step back, but a sudden collision halted her.26Please respect copyright.PENANA8SVE2xiSDh
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3h61vJm1wQ
She had hit a wall.26Please respect copyright.PENANAtG7xs8pBuD
26Please respect copyright.PENANAuqSd5LLXIS
"--!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAfZQBfPi6Z2
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJmCwaxQbVK
If she opted to move her whole body, she'd be punctured. If she stepped to the side the knife would still nip her considerably. Enduring such a taxing injury this early wasn't an option. Thus, instead of moving her body–26Please respect copyright.PENANAy0pnDmhC6G
26Please respect copyright.PENANADijdNG2igL
**CLING**26Please respect copyright.PENANARUhVr9apIP
26Please respect copyright.PENANAnIsCzkCLSq
She intercepted Anima's blade with her own, catching it between the dual prongs of her dagger. The Harbinger's eyes widened for a moment, clearly surprised. Lola made note of that as a struggle ensued.26Please respect copyright.PENANAactkC487ij
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJxbFIkoeP1
"Huh. I can't break free."26Please respect copyright.PENANAjEDJDhzSrn
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3bZ1HeX53P
The serrations on her knife caused it to get caught on the dagger. She couldn't dislodge it, but Lola's weapon was just as stuck as her opponent's. Anima jerked her leg, clearly preparing a kick, but Lola didn't react. The Harbinger delivered a blow to her right. She winced, but in her head, she celebrated.26Please respect copyright.PENANANDn9aNyueE
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOX5RK9hjla
"--Huh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANApw2eWMDbim
26Please respect copyright.PENANAxw7HFrbaXB
"Caught you!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAZM2OZisrXB
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPqWSssGl6C
She had Anima's leg wrapped in her arm. She tightened her hold, squeezing hard enough that a lesser fighter's bones would've shattered. Then, she began mana expulsion.26Please respect copyright.PENANA29rf3r8WbK
26Please respect copyright.PENANAl1lG5zZeFU
"You!"26Please respect copyright.PENANASvKTTbwRqp
26Please respect copyright.PENANALE2zYQv3DU
Anima's panic was clear and immediate. At first, she attempted to pull her leg out of Lola's grasp, but she could barely make it nudge an inch. It did, however, make a spell difficult to produce.26Please respect copyright.PENANAzBFYWZotL9
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGP81C7cEzx
It was laborious, but Lola was sure that she guaranteed a blow. She formed a blade of earth, focusing on width rather than length, and prepared to blast it through the Harbinger's leg. But then, she suddenly felt a force at her front, and her body jerked forward.26Please respect copyright.PENANA9pI3Y36vwl
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3aYj6EJRgu
The Harbinger freed her knife from Lola's dagger. Of course, it was the obvious decision when she forfeited the support of both arms. Lola had no time to curse herself for her oversight, because now a blade was soaring at her face. She ducked her head in time and, acting on instinct, she tackled Anima with a headbutt to her stomach.26Please respect copyright.PENANAATZxFKaYzg
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7qlWaf1iqg
"Hrk!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAALRnpYBoXq
26Please respect copyright.PENANAKuoX9BHFCM
She recoiled from the blow, taking a few jagged steps back. Lola realized that she let go of her leg, but she still had the stubby cylinder of stone to hurl. And hurl it she did.26Please respect copyright.PENANAkdUkXaRwzY
26Please respect copyright.PENANAekQZcChiKc
The Harbinger still reeled from the strike. Even through her rushed and lousy aim, Lola was confident that her cylinder would slug her opponent's head. Only, that didn't happen.26Please respect copyright.PENANA3Eepx7DYdF
26Please respect copyright.PENANAdZWhMunHm0
By an inch the cylinder missed, and it wasn't because Lola aimed poorly, but because the Harbinger let herself stumble onto the ground, landing on her ass.26Please respect copyright.PENANAJhU75sZtAl
26Please respect copyright.PENANArDt5r8K1a3
Lola's bewilderment was profound, but she wasn't foolish enough to avoid capitalizing on her opponent's state. She leaped forward and stabbed the dagger from above, but she only hit the ground as the Harbinger rolled away. She hopped on her feet and tossed a haymaker kick that Lola retreated her head just in time for. Anima's follow-up blow was too sudden for Lola to dodge.26Please respect copyright.PENANA8ehmyQLmjN
26Please respect copyright.PENANAb3AotlTbK5
She ate a heel to the head, a strike so fierce she flew to the wall. Fortunately, her chin wasn't hit, so Lola avoided being dazed. But her vision was blurred and her hearing was impaired.26Please respect copyright.PENANAtescU8DYPN
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7oNBiuGTRr
Lola, however, had a spectacular guess as to what her opponent would do next, and so she retaliated. She placed both her hands on the ground, carelessly expelling mana and producing not a slab of earth, but a wave of water.26Please respect copyright.PENANAVdKEtDsfhS
26Please respect copyright.PENANAW6vAnwQYVD
A few seconds passed until her senses returned. When her vision was clear, she was pleased to find herself still alive, but now the entire room was damp and flooded. Anima was on the other side, similarly drenched, though she clearly suffered no damage.26Please respect copyright.PENANA4uvMm9Hohl
26Please respect copyright.PENANAS5CbW9kJRd
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.26Please respect copyright.PENANApKzYNeT7Tx
26Please respect copyright.PENANAhqBJCdOcve
"...This is irritating."26Please respect copyright.PENANA1CACgR21eI
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqq9Gs7co9i
Lola got up to her feet, contorting her face. She made sure to at least keep one eye open because the Harbinger wasn't someone to be lax around. She found it difficult to keep her focus, though.26Please respect copyright.PENANA87VutT4kTL
26Please respect copyright.PENANA9bmVn3u9jQ
This moment. This eternal, present moment; how she loathed it. Her opponent was slippery in figure and form, escaping every jab Lola threw her way. And now, the entire floor was ruined. The furniture was maimed and jumbled by the force of the water. The carpet absorbed so much that it looked like it would burst.26Please respect copyright.PENANAZTEvli4TZl
26Please respect copyright.PENANASJcumtFLiv
It had barely been a few minutes, but Lola was beginning to get tired. Her stamina was unusually low, but with how much she drank to suppress her stress, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. She chuckled. For a moment, she had an awful load of clarity.26Please respect copyright.PENANAskMxYOB4jP
26Please respect copyright.PENANA37oW0aHxfC
Giving up became more and more alluring.26Please respect copyright.PENANAaQ6Wk71Ulb
26Please respect copyright.PENANArZNsZy2lxA
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."26Please respect copyright.PENANARUlYHj0qKA
26Please respect copyright.PENANAAPvFubPYwx
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."26Please respect copyright.PENANAUqVO3MIPTR
26Please respect copyright.PENANAY2hLHUd5zp
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.26Please respect copyright.PENANAYvOysBci9w
26Please respect copyright.PENANAjnRRyVTTDE
The Harbinger looked at her with vigilance. Lola suspected that she had earned some respect from her, but she doubted that would make the fight any easier.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvPQinBd5qb
26Please respect copyright.PENANA9zuZ96l3sm
As it was right now, she couldn't make any progress. Anima hadn't even used her magic yet, and yet Lola struggled to deliver a meaningful blow. At the rate she was going, she'd be whittled down, engaged in a battle of attrition she didn't have the mettle to endure.26Please respect copyright.PENANAwIGTxKuaLC
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGLUGWKxmpF
But options were scarce. Any direct attack would either be dodged or countered and any spell was either too weak or suffered the same fate. With how aggressive Anima was being, she had no time to imbue the room with her mana.26Please respect copyright.PENANAAQDWWSqTSU
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwIhZ4Vpgux
"...Unless, of course."26Please respect copyright.PENANARoESBYGHK8
26Please respect copyright.PENANAdoCkrm5WPL
She had to concede that her opponent was the better fighter in hand-to-hand combat; those few exchanges were all it took for her to realize. But it seemed to Lola that she was the far better mage.26Please respect copyright.PENANAkQghbE63VF
26Please respect copyright.PENANAbDsoXF9iHQ
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.26Please respect copyright.PENANAM8nQy7pFHc
26Please respect copyright.PENANATUPQg1UooC
"I don't like what you're planning!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAcDvU669m2U
26Please respect copyright.PENANA34EqPZtxXt
Anima was an opponent who had an impossible ability to predict actions. Anima was an opponent who was cautious about and loathed being confrontational. Yet despite this, she was a skillful aggressor. But she was not impenetrable.26Please respect copyright.PENANA7ir8pbghz7
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFU6aXtwjuL
As the Harbinger charged for the umpteenth time, Lola remarked at how inconsistent her ability to predict was. The reason for the discrepancy was unknown to her, and she had no opportunity to ponder and deduce it. That, however, would lose all its relevancy if every inch of the room was a weapon.26Please respect copyright.PENANAMpuxnIuFJ4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmrFHiviXNB
Her approach changed. Anima threw a small ball of fire at Lola, but expecting divergence, Lola was unfazed. She smacked the spell away with her dagger, preparing to back away again, only to hesitate once she noticed how close the Harbinger was. Anima thrust her knife– an action parried by Lola's swift movements. She attempted a riposte, but with a reckless motion, had her dagger countered with a resounding clang.26Please respect copyright.PENANA270mNXVjHb
26Please respect copyright.PENANAUMW4XBld9J
It became clear to Lola that knifeplay was inimical for progress. Thus, she backed away, a motion that took advantage of Anima's poor posture. The Harbinger clicked her tongue and prepared another spell. It wasn't a haphazard product this time, but a sizeable, dangerous wall of flame. Lola had a skulking smirk, but a telling sea of sweat.26Please respect copyright.PENANASHScck7zFD
26Please respect copyright.PENANAhFM8vctzUF
It became time to set her plan in motion. She released the bubbling mana in her hand and suspended it behind her back, then formed a mass of water of similar size. She took great relief in seeing Anima's eyes widen, reeling her arm and flinging her spell.26Please respect copyright.PENANAPCo1sq4okT
26Please respect copyright.PENANAueiFybG58d
The Harbinger hastily threw her own spell to match Lola's. The two met, and a cloud of vapor burst from the collision, spreading through the entire room instantly. The haze was surprisingly thick; Lola knew that staying in place would only hurt her. She grabbed her suspended mana and continued supplying it, running through the steam and keeping a watchful eye–26Please respect copyright.PENANA7vJ9yV0HtH
26Please respect copyright.PENANAb0Cgdvsao3
**THUD**26Please respect copyright.PENANAkn5Vzk5HfT
26Please respect copyright.PENANAm47gD8w5Gr
But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.26Please respect copyright.PENANAxOS67oEmEK
26Please respect copyright.PENANAEQr1h2th12
She tried to stand on her feet. She was only halfway stable before she caught something shifting in the fog. She jerked to avoid it–26Please respect copyright.PENANAxW0m8W44YH
26Please respect copyright.PENANAkSye7gQ1aN
"--Hrk!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAdjtZiSIEeV
26Please respect copyright.PENANA4M03BIWv3R
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvSnbS9L4dR
26Please respect copyright.PENANAa7xIeok28J
Her reaction wasn't a result of instinct, but a habit acquired from her time in the field. She lifted her foot and swiped it in front of her, connecting with something. The steam began to dissipate, and she caught the Harbinger several meters away from her, but now her right femur felt one nudge away from being dislocated from her hip. She dashed away and looked at the new source of pain: her sizzling gash.26Please respect copyright.PENANAmJWZH2Memk
26Please respect copyright.PENANASiQcwYb3Jn
It was on her right shoulder. She was thankful that she wore protective gear, because otherwise the cut could've net her a lost arm. Though, with how much it bled, it was still nothing to scoff at. She collapsed for a moment, scoffing.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbfZ78NzlJ9
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"This..."26Please respect copyright.PENANApAfASEuChF
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She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.26Please respect copyright.PENANACKXo1Q8iCl
26Please respect copyright.PENANAj1NLSQDfos
She could only do a little before her opponent returned to harassing her. Lola clicked her tongue, but got on her feet and brandished her dagger.26Please respect copyright.PENANAGWQcG0TGbM
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"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAhd830kcC2m
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Lola realized just how much trouble she had keeping calm. It stunned her for a moment, but ultimately, she still decided to challenge Anima's approach.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbWlxGCgkhW
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The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.26Please respect copyright.PENANAVRE2RikbEJ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwxi1R7tEJm
"--sneaky!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAAabwZZigX8
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Anima thrust her knife again, and again Lola parried it with her dagger. It wasn't as impactful, having it be done with her non-dominant hand, and Anima took advantage of it to try a slash. Lola moved reeled her head just in time and retaliate with an upward kick. Anima blocked it with her forearm, though it was only so effective, and since it was Lola's right leg she winced from the move. The Harbinger tried thrusting again, but had her blade caught in between Lola's.26Please respect copyright.PENANAnn6x36oSih
26Please respect copyright.PENANA47V9HNUpLQ
Instead of baiting a grab, Lola acted fast. She twirled her wrist and jerked her arm to her, weakening Anima's grip, then hurtled her arm the otherway, and Anima's knife flew across the room.26Please respect copyright.PENANAmxmMAMCmmm
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Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.26Please respect copyright.PENANAoCaNuleoRW
26Please respect copyright.PENANASEmrA698LQ
She managed to brace her jaw before the impace, but it still made her head ring. She was met with another one, and then a third one to her chest.26Please respect copyright.PENANAuTUE5yl7Co
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And of course, none of them were strong enough to send her flying. It was only after a short flurry, a storm of blows and jabs, that the Harbinger hit her hard enough to create distance.26Please respect copyright.PENANAwrL5EAmeH4
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Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.26Please respect copyright.PENANA33jhGBcYVh
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZp6QXvULRo
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...26Please respect copyright.PENANAnGyzg1shph
26Please respect copyright.PENANA9J3r7EYcRQ
She checked her spell and determined it still wasn't ready. Only a little more– only a little more and the battle would finally turn to her side.26Please respect copyright.PENANAZv3XCM5Ynr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtCtP1fmNqF
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.26Please respect copyright.PENANAqBUffq2ZGf
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Even as the Harbinger went to grab her knife, moseying as if she hadn't an opponent at all, she had no drive to stand.26Please respect copyright.PENANAPeDesshPVh
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So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–26Please respect copyright.PENANAXSMLuNDLek
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"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."26Please respect copyright.PENANAfyyAFUD5x0
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Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.26Please respect copyright.PENANAhP50X92FQG
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"I win, though–"26Please respect copyright.PENANAc1LIC00pxZ
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Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.26Please respect copyright.PENANAg8eU1nzpK1
26Please respect copyright.PENANAKCh3lOXQOa
Anima didn't even spare her an insult, she darted her head to the walls and sprinted. Lola eyed her and noticed she was heading to the exit. Then, listlessly slapping her right hand on the floor, her mana permeated throughout the soaked room.26Please respect copyright.PENANApTHmeQfl7S
26Please respect copyright.PENANAD1PJAGHsbU
The effect was immediate. The room's stern architecture dawned a sludge-like form, one that slowed Anima down instantly. She threw Lola a look of scorn and raised her knife, hurling it at her. A piece of the floor rose to intercept it.26Please respect copyright.PENANA3s90lnD979
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"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAhMwlfv2HUD
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She got on her legs, using a half-broken chair that slid to her as a support. She eyed the Harbinger, who, though still looked furious, was surprisingly calm.26Please respect copyright.PENANAiGb0nDulLf
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMSF3VpMWsY
"Can't move your legs?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAzC6T56sTw1
26Please respect copyright.PENANAW9dbdBU9Lv
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."26Please respect copyright.PENANAIZNkwa7xcL
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPzXSY6wZi3
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA3dQEF6QdyB
26Please respect copyright.PENANAfvMmtP9Z07
Even Lola was surprised at her laughter. It detracted her from her disgruntling situation for a moment. She gazed at the Harbinger. She did nothing more but gaze.26Please respect copyright.PENANA2rjBkdjAbl
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"Aren't you going to do something?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAmeFvQv102d
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"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."26Please respect copyright.PENANATXgQid9jnC
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGGOY35BnzC
The Harbinger rolled her eyes in response. Lola commanded the room to form a spike out of the furniture, then created a mock catapult out of the floor.26Please respect copyright.PENANAw9tVtPbh59
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It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.26Please respect copyright.PENANAnYJI5T9Jtv
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.26Please respect copyright.PENANAN881gdqOEY
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Anima suddenly ducked and extended her hand, firing a ball of fire that had little time to form, but was strong enough to blast the catapult. Lola was brough back to the present, and again she commanded the room to attack, but as she did, Anima pointed her arms in the opposite direction of the wall, and then–26Please respect copyright.PENANABkvarDkL9s
26Please respect copyright.PENANAnluErqrXx8
**BOOM**26Please respect copyright.PENANA69XIvP3gTZ
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A gust of wind powerful enough to send every unfixed object to the opposite side blew in the room. Lola was sent to the wall, which cushioned her collision instead of exacerbating it, but it still hurt. When she opened her eyes, she saw a giant hole, and her opponent on the other side.26Please respect copyright.PENANAiwzhgLCl1E
26Please respect copyright.PENANA0mUvuWS2z2
Anima stood up. Even from this distance, she could make out all the scratches from the debris. They exchanged looks. Lola expected Anima to turn and run, but she approached, stopping short of the hole in the wall.26Please respect copyright.PENANACb0dllCDxg
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"People like you," she said, pointing her bruised finger, "people like you. You fill me with putrid disgust, so loathsome I oughta spit at you."26Please respect copyright.PENANAo4yGboSx97
26Please respect copyright.PENANAWf7o6BJc6f
"--?"26Please respect copyright.PENANANxzw2IcZX3
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"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."26Please respect copyright.PENANAPp3laX4Zo9
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She withdrew her head, turned around and ran. Lola was stumped for a moment, but she discarded her words. It was just the deranged ramblings of a Harbinger, after all.26Please respect copyright.PENANA4p4Ysapcr7
26Please respect copyright.PENANAWp34jUbPMR
"...Ehh."26Please respect copyright.PENANADTRxFtOkAX
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She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.26Please respect copyright.PENANACqV1rfaU9A
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Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.26Please respect copyright.PENANAB1hS9lDmyq
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"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAnQh2DWTZlu
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.26Please respect copyright.PENANAWEhjWR3PFY
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"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."26Please respect copyright.PENANAXGhMfTVnzn
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The wound on her shoulder still gushed blood. Her energy drained faster because of it, but she had to tend to it to live. She began mana spinning. Still hurt, still tired, still doused.26Please respect copyright.PENANAQQiL84Wgsz
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A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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