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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyZGpWK9dG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUvtATA20v
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xm3Lk0AkH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJdKJ1nWZC
"Kid! Over here!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB3f7DbDIG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxgzcC1Q45
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJtR1t6Onl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLu1py8uQa
"Ya ready!?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuLGTJokxI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmID0BUKMB
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvirQwDYN4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrLTZehAu9
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uwJu2Cw9j
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROndvE88ov
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 place163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIFfiIhMBf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPK9gVtMpd
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSU7E4LTUa
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"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!?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7czeLZAJG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TrBvRYlpw
YEAH!163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFZQnVEVQX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYSbIySnVK
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr5o5A5Fnt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhwHAlb6VL
"Ack!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KsJzSUqLr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeOO2yhQFu
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG3MJwr721
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxfmBfKIXr
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFKjZMDvMk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwF3ReW3uc
"R-Right!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcnxMFrG7k
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGzhlGPDEd
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7BgdY1mZp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzlCSgNSJ3
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UJJ4tIJ5Q
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZtrcSKvhi
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGDomvYOYW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk0E33RDcJ
"Crap!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeDPxAv2Rm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1nPT5kLmN
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLK8Am1cA2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0bk2tSgXA
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYgLDtUxdl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfBUg09oTV
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAn1caAO2a
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOEzmpPMPG
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefpVquC0zo
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocXX5gxMVZ
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD5hYKvMko
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3MBktyxEO
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkxnlUPW29
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKOkZsnDKZ
"L-Lola!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0JWBZGV4a
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwlVi2rlf3
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOpJP8BYpS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHhDbqgV74
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjocFcOVxUS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuvMHJDeVe
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo5uAtAzP6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B8IaZbSzR
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyGozz7PSd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf3ika5zaF
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWn91r5CZe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0euowyxW2
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXOIh1g0UH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQc2vE40wk
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMY1djyWHh
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–
–
–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxmz6OvJxL
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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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodOt2yUJVk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLJxxIxpdE
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUX8NSn7wK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHJOcVRnEr
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8PjDCALAG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboWM5VZzMY
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6YutgPyDh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8VAHO1Qco
"Do you have something you want to say?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzHzsRVx2u
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4H96QXs0d
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgtMU1CKIS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYinwYGucI
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGGawhUMyU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdf1a0kkub
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUj8ceGcyf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NmjeJqKGb
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdRsZm7JZ2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z7YGESUeH
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8uVL6LuA1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxkUrNUmYx
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFnUtRXa7N
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp4OIlwsX4
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYAxgsGtTr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFroVc3jPff
"Call me Anima."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe89qTReFYJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CIgab4kqV
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZYzJZYkFa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjCJoptnDr
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HyobbVzFK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GjTLquCWn
Then, the Harbinger dashed.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztzwDwLL83
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruNmbIHGYP
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOh2S0Fm2U
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5QGgUYo1u
"Ngh!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IUm0oIPNE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVOxamtona
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzsOuFHd5V
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdxYg5gpPM
**THUD**163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Fx4pIC7S0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD1WWrsIqm
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kt1X1HTSz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbX21Nsa0Z
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUh6GraBxt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTCXxSd4uI
"--!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnwhXWZpxs
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKETZsA4erK
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGUMhAiTyN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXN2spP0qG
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsefIr250MW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGqvoh1QoW
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ka8GsO6dd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSJQedbscc
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjin9AVsMr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmtQuy8w89
She had hit a wall.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVg0CfGFO0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KAUsfyDFl
"--!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLymQBj4h3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBc1k8mdSn
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu0nJTvufY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApd17qOO0e
**CLING**163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdXFxpS3yF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8lvZ5NPd5
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOPjXNoTzn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGkO5jmmOS
"Huh. I can't break free."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sHT4mEDlr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS3lWC5zuZ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSZ280U3SF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhMo2BQH14
"--Huh?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY9T1K1NdB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopLF2xsLT2
"Caught you!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevltFq1BHD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIVOV48Yqg
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GZSz3fT1t
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL3taBApgN
"You!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0kcZPN5Pi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeokvGFyUcK
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNIokEGwth
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPl7nVF3j7
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRDnkDG95k
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRmpAyttin
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXHf8VVv1m
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxoJezCykm
"Hrk!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmNVrsGaiq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0T6ZQLQZf
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfpq5ieEMT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBWTAmitSj
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGVRsPD0oE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBRyVmqd2y
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mzOnssMLf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgT4XnXGfL
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8W40kl7Bj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpO4AMxKpC
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnO1aM7XhO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYJclFDm5M
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB9mZkCK9S
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG343WXdiP8
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6aubmsy4G
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOKlmqCoLa
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVnjBku44x
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1osjfiTIrS
"...This is irritating."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkje0FIWev
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx01y8uN9EC
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5vk6iEDuJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNTMwLb6d8
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEfjS9oxx1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVvQma0kGN
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Yzt3yLvya
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzxYQJBYKD
Giving up became more and more alluring.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTt7HhlqYD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYC0TAjQCY
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MXQoZWZmK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONqgXmjGoM
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm2L4Fx97r
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXeBTQj10y
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1N5PFQU2j
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTfRrvBzAZ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHgjsHTQ5m
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzB0QrDjPT
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBfZnxavCa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdKkr6x0RY
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKxxW19iMx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM3zrve3jZ
"...Unless, of course."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFqqIr0knO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfgub3tyvo
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoZcWKWeTC
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEevykHgZSD
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hXPcvGRGi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYUP4hHaC1
"I don't like what you're planning!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b5WUKjWNr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXUX3K427a
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgz2rDtyNe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFyIdmay7R
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xSUSqDioq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRS2RqhNkH
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB0vDYdOr0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgQ6mXoi35
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz3iV3CI85
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU2aFQzCDg
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMMnuUmoXn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtivhCkM9l
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAweEkknrUE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Nvj4uyOXA
**THUD**163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpBRMRWkmX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uAXZE7Yt2
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KCyjdXA3g
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz608FH24E
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElAeEOpvZX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxdH66IXq4
"--Hrk!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1uRwc8PGL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ9QUXoTwJ
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QCXveKwfQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepcmNn5SuT
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7AvaQS4gt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNXGyfbgo9
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQfVy0i53x
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xlwZSbwsZ
"This..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn0KJ30a1B
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBemecEcZFQ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt65ngQ0G1V
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld3yG6vcOV
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m070ciQgu
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FA8hey6kB
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xFbjCeGZG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhONBF7kUUd
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNHIYqhh4B
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w3JcOAPo4
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkj7NhkemV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8qHbxuWrh
"--sneaky!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSFs1QMCLP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcEjq7PUgY
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHvTpqCbGz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppef9eO4TN
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJdNvnQ44m
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncxaeglR4p
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH472vp4YUH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaZn3ozeMn
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ055fDKBlCM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgBwktqX1Q
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYwCwztSUa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eg6rZalKe
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9aXOCvCk4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKwqLrlA0Y
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbGTsECOl0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFcLYP1Meh
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFvBywBstZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuyVjkoC2D
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfmSLBndBD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0WPONyQvr
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd5RzkCKih
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCEUyP0ZlT
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6RQs3MdOD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXj7xqLaag
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLXAbqwKm0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYg6WLxeTn
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpK1Mhk7jk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMyRSOnocG
"I win, though–"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrulgmJr3W
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxl6NrkitF
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5uiixr4xW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZLuOdlLa5
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWrBYX4MuQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb6H7qqdi8
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Dpd3IdHdK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rl0dAnT2m
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLA4bcdsrU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6PLK2PGu3
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMBgvVMA9S
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJWnAfWQRE
"Can't move your legs?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDaB0j0m8h
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkebjEQ2Pz
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF2xv0KldF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJM9Th4xm5
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qtGy2h9YI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzUNLDIIVi
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhKXraVxCl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1AZThDitM
"Aren't you going to do something?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDZlWLQyUE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQsMBnQsDd
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6zyFy9HrZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngXPAaNcFA
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEJpBtojnE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEvw0LBJL6
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe9Zf3Nbv1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusZzr2EkC2
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2qYpK7RXY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlAluyyred
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxx0WSy4K5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LKVvweito
**BOOM**163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq1HtBcfKL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoifWkQBQe
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxlFKbaNWC
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQHS4FudqO
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59mNvjPT1W
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVoCeRAjGN
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8nQLiGQoF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sbJBcbhgQ
"--?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yYjWyK4nR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93lLvtquMR
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWqu4yN0bO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FpF5noKSt
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ4IIk3Llx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgv59Wygc9
"...Ehh."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkUXmGhsE4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDoQqmntJG
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1SNGqLmhQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetQkCGyZ4V
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfv2OFodTd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyM9VPh98L
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfUfZvI771
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwFVoZLiNx
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGsvojebIT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk68nlKdmGO
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs03Q8adCNV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczDzU9Ibpx
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWDqnukRId
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmgBTZoTFA
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjPE6zBr0q
