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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jd4QRQ9Yy
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlPCQjJKWV
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi6rM4gtqL
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEi5G6FMtB
"Kid! Over here!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELwIjedLPE
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhnMJbQqtj
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLONq612thc
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fjXU5JFz2
"Ya ready!?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7OCrcQaWQ
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoteRxjggO
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEfLRvTC0C
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjbjRvpSUP
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmPecWMcJ4
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCzL6iVAIp
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 place177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneTHUmW709
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeVF1Tl3Jw
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoefbexVuR
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjjSy4g4Gv
"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!?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvo0TxwQUw
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBtsSjLKDe
YEAH!177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMGmbJsxdU
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTwOT6oEQv
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDEpsIAglC
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyvxRf3wzT
"Ack!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3huC1QNpbi
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm6xaHUxYt
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnsi9aSlIM
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rsm22FFxG
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIWbhAP6WR
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHe1UoFofJ
"R-Right!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYysuXQRSIi
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qiiM5Tz6n
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l1yEvif1m
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWSOBppd36
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgHGO2S2PF
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjdJnNnlSI
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjlXnNkW45
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFEuLukhWH
"Crap!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdxssRuWXI
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sVOUFtfVr
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqn1PnhaMH
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMsKYIm0Lj
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOMlqbjh0q
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80hk4TDwMZ
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N1KNyiAdL
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosCJdMFtKW
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKaIezGcbD
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkofp6UErVH
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUU2JHngOt
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlGHEFaqyw
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbevEbMECD5
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEAljXHnCY
"L-Lola!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3TbcV0iU0
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yJ4JkFIPf
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CQUxkYSk6
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExBGi7TcGy
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96FXrsELaL
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn8a5DfIKB
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuXtFfEKow
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxbIPcsYs6
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRydl0CpQ67
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgO1Bikd8r
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRKTVfzuZu
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDNullAacJ
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrVnoImW2d
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2lIEngEI8
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcYC3sneAH
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhyhrCN4Ii
–
–
–177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI56PMObrm
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmB7OIgkjx
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?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLorG20sRF
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUhqIbHYGP
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9USxHP4NVK
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC6BrWJpry
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiNXbDGAvB
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zpWZaivZW
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsK4nb6yu7
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldhI0KLpXG
"Do you have something you want to say?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB346VCDJx
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoyyok7gdc
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzms98FXLWg
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLNvQjHRUv
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvIf7RRRlx
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6662sPkMn
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9ZdjMzSc8
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMrBZqhgdF
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIs5rSsExh
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R6xAbzAMv
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aQEQuwPnF
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiRR33aVcD
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1kJmsof5Y
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKjAmOrprS
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CoQXCJuMF
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92SBp9nmOG
"Call me Anima."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0gWbOYcYh
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3PGo30WCz
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wbq7am7LX
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfYKEandWx
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DA8EEMhGc
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYni1d1zoY
Then, the Harbinger dashed.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGawSlPzgx
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHy890A73q
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZrxP7Bdld
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca6CpVTQ2W
"Ngh!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dsxFszI9V
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJqjNNspQF
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–177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyRMf2pGLq
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdodzOKgBR
**THUD**177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnniCviatl
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPLqATr13n
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YKprtvJnB
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6t0gsIt8z
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEQlw4ypPI
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYuDwUxiOk
"--!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdRswqft8r
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2EecjVeun
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3gia9zlAq
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6hLRYM5zo
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWgVGzBhlO
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWVi8eOTiC
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZgjmltj2D
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ktGT6GNqj
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCntiL94mzH
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWXSy7qw0z
She had hit a wall.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89Zsl4r0sG
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fqoDFnNgs
"--!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW8wkQr1BY
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNGosn5Aoh
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–177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBIJ6EGW1C
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGCzDWwIlK
**CLING**177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ6sqKIZNO
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LzgQHdmfL
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd81lkdyjdr
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaIvmhcthu
"Huh. I can't break free."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfJfrXec2g
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCqemQInrm
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX9fqzareK
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7tGwtKSDv
"--Huh?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjilHnswT5y
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfMtAWubLn
"Caught you!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq60EoM9kb
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpiOSQOgZi
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdybq3puFuC
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRbrJihNYt
"You!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMRBv25xWe
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWx6QGHFhi
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynjwCnXJYK
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHm5yTYeBk
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtpclcmSi1
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sVlSnVueM
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTj7wssiGT
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlfqDnHvMs
"Hrk!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmS6HEyJ4X
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk6SQuIsXC
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y8m6ycPQO
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpq1yludPN
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhpKtYr8w8
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMD8YzHMrg
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNkB93fsBj
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Iy1TlxIuQ
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvD0WaTC8W
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7oYIPWTX4
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2G35zTHHM
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb7oL1FaMX
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY8dcXXmVF
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc3ODWp4rW
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7YQugtxie
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZPLpZIJyw
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe01Dd6uNg
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys36rw5APn
"...This is irritating."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKES1jTWS0v
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jkV5WEGJV
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzzA2bPVfy
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj31ptkPAb
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2kE4ekDcK
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5PfVPTUVZ
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl4zYRQXGj
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPqsgUsNt2
Giving up became more and more alluring.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr1VvqsrWp
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVMBgqkNOv
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oMMAgcQZx
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55S4Grd7Iv
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv6pAOVJLR
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI0r6Y8tjV
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7hSeulsCs
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdVmYNwZPE
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2O42nDvnh
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE6P8WiObZ
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XHl2r6skG
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA8LOV31Py
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsca8MxvOU
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeAaRUo1cB
"...Unless, of course."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFiVVj3nUz
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSKXWoBaN3
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCCUQTcAUu
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPSJSLKpMy
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOQhhxY79E
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFzXA0u6x5
"I don't like what you're planning!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjJ8y9cA3s
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGFT0bNgLH
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZh4m84YNe
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB3id9tzPn
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90sSlhOuwG
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52Etu9ho7g
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYD58gz74C
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhsnk72UHf
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNIUOM2Ho3
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLnRk10H42
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bpw4192UP
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKSMuiXikZ
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–177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPgREYdl26
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsLf4053P8
**THUD**177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKMbqecf4I
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOdasliXix
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTD3p4ZPc9
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z9UVXog9l
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–177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBCVNhCsPW
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ7At1NI9f
"--Hrk!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZBnvXQWfz
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhCoZsLE3h
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tgt24Kc6a
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1zyAhKBLr
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVLq5eYc5n
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhEJ6rMYLU
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xVNxn3t92
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhs1jxc5ED
"This..."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSoY4Olh5O
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlmG39Yncu
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBHNOwsbEv
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb90FycM5Vr
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlyQphmWje
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtOBXRbnZp
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMiKujbbsa
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EyBiZdHwA
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqvkB56N04
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zaRqx0Ahm
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCwTgqNHKK
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdycUPV68dZ
"--sneaky!"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWL9FJgAZA
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEZxjfb1rt
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UHgfaTPm6
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVsIhpWZ2c
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIoLdtRrca
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1e8dYfHaP
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMYFHHwPQe
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLpmmtpNpL
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9rBkLYrWF
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQyLze0gWu
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz30khrJyEU
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMnpvXqx9h
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhAjvEtkFv
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wYmUgNuSY
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3k7sg8A0L
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8eyAdRyVm
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXEj1PKV5w
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbXu63qEVv
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dvir0WN2C
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM5tcVcKQd
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RJ1hdRi71
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ770EdCMhl7
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiwlBEIWzs
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I7OB8nowj
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9XNC25CCq
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE1dLGicqU
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWGA2iE9K2
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEbAj6Ro8V
"I win, though–"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIMcHLakWl
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqBJw1YHmE
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5DdJxnudW
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLszCZR0aP
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafuePwfrBv
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgnENqKFMH
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGolpszFa3
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOKqhmAawM
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEonFYD8Wnh
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpbG9KCxfZ
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2TgSDimEV
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeZkT22xWh
"Can't move your legs?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkprHCwxQM
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ7nOc7haq
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKIaLZtSFI
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXCDCwrslA
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5VnBuZrCI
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr7dgv6wzI
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTYn9XqPRt
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFI261wPHe
"Aren't you going to do something?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfydenNAEP
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EVZ76vr99
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIFNJYtjtU
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjmp8LGmqT
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAhTgnF4Mn
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pQRWKRV3F
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyo6h7bWkr
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduqVuZ95Gu
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6LDZISONo
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDQwEGDcJz
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–177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dokcAt6qg
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmA66ZjtEO
**BOOM**177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0fxsKUOAd
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1kqN2hncE
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1dArcGGAf
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6yjA0oFuq
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzYogDALOJ
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49L1ux8HBR
"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."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlwhW6swe8
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ryaLcgjso
"--?"177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI0XQ3xomG
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH4nxOBoSf
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DQGVSxLVc
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxMjJwpA54
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehmd3OLZkT
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumUnomxmnW
"...Ehh."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORz0ETIWh0
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizzZcssdDT
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x7ShTw56V
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1NQBGaUdo
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4b1oKY11m
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyUpAStUDs
"..."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepU7rn7HiO
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNieLWGGeNB
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVSkdQUkQc
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvNPy79PuB
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueBMcMpIUJ
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed7lfCYEa1
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.177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTQTy4wpaf
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLgQnS9Co6
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
177Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysa0sEuEOx
