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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S6FrLl890
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNWylehilm
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kzZ6DkXEb
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvprxR1l2WD
"Kid! Over here!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOoTH3L70H
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JRXWQEYqy
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEQejfSxLn
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYqya9FmI1
"Ya ready!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNRA5wTtqw
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0pIvpcnCk
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YGQIapcCb
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFFrEvB57i
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2OjaDrmnm
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX93cCOTQD
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 place162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q3XPJ9pdD
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhFkonxZ7G
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfA4mm7NMV
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBlYXErS8n
"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!?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWEFlEHCxt
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg6JFYQ3us
YEAH!162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcyFwm9DCj
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidPOtIKNlK
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lnHD4HxNY
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDYdTb3UK3
"Ack!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe6g3htZwN
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5sblb0eOP
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmECAEPKtl
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxCS1uipPm
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakWpm8qWEc
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZPP7LElws
"R-Right!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYncs67cVdp
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv5rlRyl5y
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFI0pRgbI4
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAFreLl6xm
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCkl1Jwt0j
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDoGKrFUG3
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRLHCKWtgI
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuU3V8r8va
"Crap!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4RV6VyxO5
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGSkL9r1d6
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaCHzcA0Q6
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakh1Y2umvs
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBTFHOdvUJ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTru0V0VV8y
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00IFlNl8X6
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvqPi5q7pP
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXQ3V6MY6z
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1OoUHN0WG
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEg3tEjqBp
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhJ17StWgC
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeeNCFouUQ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfFIrFzBNM
"L-Lola!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FApELmeJb
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYX49ZJgfp
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGvcG8530a
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ9n8DKeJg
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlhNigt6OX
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ETDfh14gc
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzR4RMICb6
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYrV6a4dM3
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv74Wlkqhe
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA09ZMpkBs
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxlDMFsgc9
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnXhpOVZxX
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzinRuSbjk
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs2AfOw5it
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlTUC6nEpR
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–
–
–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVMOOdmPpc
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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?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ksww9wJSr
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom6g40ZfwW
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DecNbG4Mr
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljfQxF5gP4
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjpykMTkNE
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZTYoPcWBa
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoKbGvdRDS
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4oATilK5d
"Do you have something you want to say?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsASvhVvqc
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCRWd9o6FM
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriF4ZPr1jz
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ7GF3IImV
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEzZMC8hni
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjFCv7Rj56
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxUG3xajNy
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1UoIE9yxq
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzZUNYC1wX
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5ffbP7Viy
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hhRYzNrYI
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZktvDisf5g
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WUZvmkvxV
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApeB4hHFws
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCdLSzVoH5
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu2vr7kpvx
"Call me Anima."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwX8CVZNd8
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWYtqRlF24
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl1kNete7O
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsssGqmMqU
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b6SpwfsXI
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo91A8RKkk
Then, the Harbinger dashed.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BOs2WxAaF
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXe9JBuEmf
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0my5NnJ4n
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAfugIHdzj
"Ngh!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClgqAqdgEM
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxQ43CcpDr
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–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDaw3fSosR
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJH2gnq39x
**THUD**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5v666fQo5
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhVUJm4CUe
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRNX5nS9OG
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi89QPuFfM4
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeinmF0TTux
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs8CN34Zpw
"--!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuJuck7RUS
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtuFkLw7yy
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTtGJ9F0pY
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp2LhvLuKF
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC56LmBtDTm
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97B46TxyRN
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sVqVwTEw7
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W67LCVCOA
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwiD9FU96U
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAUPJtxezU
She had hit a wall.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTLRjP0F9w
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIPi3AOTDs
"--!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqsqBFmUGH
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwQ4pERbNU
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–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BWrFNxWP6
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH35doXrfq
**CLING**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQGTwEou3d
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xSC21ofIv
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNMfTwZMOF
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXoG43GxNf
"Huh. I can't break free."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC0I5r1AHE
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWEDXaDA3G
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IbauvLs3C
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkSYpqZqsJ
"--Huh?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6MWvBxVXD
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkqFmoHpce
"Caught you!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrze70AHyt
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JJMzxV22A
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ0T3P4fDg
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN9LUtXieD
"You!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvZHFLcGXX
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0Kz01nvks
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtqzvlF5eL
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1AXD0wgYU
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdcOTm37vt
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUnRNpYwJw
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNc7HrZ8up
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJNWKs1A55
"Hrk!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXd0SVBrCp
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC83YMfPG0
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczwXYJysds
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPNZypQkjs
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bnD6KeJ5Q
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbIP0CNYY9
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwEVHnCQoz
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnZFUzS6Fv
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgh17Ltq7a
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VmHQhbXmU
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO4S53SmPJ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc6CXBvSFN
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKkXLjLutz
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQariZj7NV
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaaG1Lqv2K
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrIMRpkBCF
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlnzrXlDQP
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qYcMB8oE9
"...This is irritating."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCWLRJqRpK
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgCcaDP0JX
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBDKNPCFSf
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKGmd3Bjvc
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H0UxmwMdx
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hQCeuVGyJ
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIDuoRTYOO
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCWKisS401
Giving up became more and more alluring.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5ByDpIGBx
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjJhYWzunj
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3PL51uYAA
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjBs3mG29X
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ikYAFKBz7
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfSw27XOXu
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghwzcjJUh5
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV3TyGCL2K
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaTKv1jUn0
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUuauT068p
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc3EC1TD3T
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYCNBhdNab
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXwxgG3Sww
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8VYt8MNGn
"...Unless, of course."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyN5zhxtFJ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVwEcCa3CK
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEkILPDIvQ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74ukXCmqdV
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWqSofUz8n
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKloowEObkz
"I don't like what you're planning!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iQKgGVrvO
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK7JXuzYym
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1psh4bcNb
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRAiBLXr1L
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1SUdzw2nE
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfzllmBWzy
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1mnaNlVwa
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGITRNcWjlQ
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFx4Kb3Pwz
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wr2OQKFYA
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox0iYXkton
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIq6EsYDSy
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–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1EVtSaK7A
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZikgjA91h
**THUD**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcduYRYcJau
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzFhPjudhN
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqcSQ5XA08
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAKD4alZ8J
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–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRBSzx7Mxn
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7EMrzWBC6
"--Hrk!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0saSbOs1t
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1JEOyJr1d
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXl1oE335b
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6Dza4Cmel
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTjY4VWvJJ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgRtJHaJXq
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlClkOBA4E1
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapHdAlXsNk
"This..."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfISMUP0jDY
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDUOFOgFfn
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eF9Dlo9hf
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH1DZWshti
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrHyWqiXEf
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6yJ5kgkw6
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk4FLtwX00
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2kEmQ6KrV
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvJYxyF62P
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFSDDYXHgP
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLuD88tcny
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrV43juQ0c
"--sneaky!"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVrjYjdPry
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dARLzXQXK
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT9Rp40Mrg
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrxw3h51FE
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1fDQPP8UN
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGfc5metk0
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4sZDPbgdr
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLXYqGRYcU
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMAN8tUdLo
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WHwj1dUuJ
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMB9PmltNA
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcgxaDyLSf
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosIdYJQtHE
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhXIx0d2ov
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy6PmAgk6G
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsTziwGRUM
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd58MLdNdyk
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQylKpjr0fa
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhFNlSAD0v
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKcAuhC3lf
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uqgkUbDz9
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQcC4aJ0VS
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmSQauGYjP
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LnfyKKhHy
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZJBqBItQF
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2lVbPVMlj
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc6zZiaG6l
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47iuCzrc9m
"I win, though–"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cDHP0Qcym
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTKxUABil7
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnqt3XYRPc
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGsCxs8ptN
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LARdINNxB
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMdBchlLfX
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS1E7ogjMp
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWvr5kWOkg
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiKkE5EL2b
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMBEXimxf1
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFKgWS5huY
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fJd45HRUv
"Can't move your legs?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRKCIBHWI2
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCg6aXRzs5
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jqrZh3R1C
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7GabgGOMm
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt3UwA8HPI
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL6xQp96YL
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kfz7GkIs1
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqOLOqyuLL
"Aren't you going to do something?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1zdTBq1AP
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJUx72xOov
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvTmlYTMbk
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5m5bUMVLj
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVqCnclzzQ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyYjD1oemu
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtO0mqoymU
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXG2tt0Yqc
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71rdISYVYZ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqMSdudAUu
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–162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmoJQIvbpM
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1lRqpIs8M
**BOOM**162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0gSN5wZOJ
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkU0PmtpJp
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9cBbX6xiP
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgZo3BbBVw
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYXlD5pm43
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BTcQQN2tL
"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."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JZJXtrz7s
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrMBjSckcx
"--?"162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiuD2E9vd6
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV0mvkmac5
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYllgSIEDq
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS7Kkwgd7g
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UQtTHZbqH
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYiop1YGdU
"...Ehh."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY2f8f4BEh
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8A9a68Hcl
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7xES7TSqn
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hG8GPt3Cc
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1uxOEBG8C
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIDCs3pgnG
"..."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHSuBUqW5G
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy4eaMVeFZ
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1yNzgk8if
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJzLqdbRAJ
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFoAyLlaYu
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsBKNIpKSD
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.162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFORWOZSWT2
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Oo6ZXnvdz
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
162Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVq2JvDkuo
