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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5ALdTaxq4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztBCCoP5j4
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMHPg2uCxA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxgTJ6ypW8
"Kid! Over here!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWWBBG3eX8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0OsmByVHK
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A77gf6P7q
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8wSvGVY0J
"Ya ready!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p0PrghY4K
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR0upBFBan
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmdtYc0jP8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAwWm8rkAX
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwLQrY8ZjQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjNSYLwQMy
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 place195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFXj5XFkKg
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxPb0IAAul
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLxBdqKN3l
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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!?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv4IKpf0pC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81Upp3lg4S
YEAH!195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy4fvPJ9tT
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyP3XWlhYg
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhXnPCpPwa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTelAuCYQT3
"Ack!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nNXph8Ndq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGI1VA5kJi
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYp65dzuKX
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHcJZ03Ccr
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvzohfe77z
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyVDhoRWry
"R-Right!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKggtCNUR8T
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuqZNgFM4N
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGxx1ghGze
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbnBT4Ra1e
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36oxz3fqiH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtwMKZi2v0
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdmUrMoDi6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLCWduweLk
"Crap!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprOFjPAa88
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHpejSuzIN
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKxhfvkS73
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYP5mBdDKz
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrQcC3DxQo
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q2uickvCm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOkGsiomsq
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6xrB3teP7
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1lylxR0yl
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulDhlTHGP2
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PyzeIJMtp
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplXT2HVhE6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkkoKacaF9
"L-Lola!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4V7whchWQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEa1ISHcav
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomqkuN05ks
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRJTLjNlLP
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkcAtyd34d
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0JxdqooKe
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UCBtoHOPI
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLkDky0N4P
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBQd66umbS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR3njuxW6r
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpOJWrIQat
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dt74cC4Z4
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznAYxwsWqf
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ON0foE9t2
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl1E435MGG
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–
–
–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH3ljdZU12
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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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WrT9eTt2P
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LE1CNSXnd
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyfegZwm4J
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77oTw7dv6e
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMHllNzMRy
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrwE9vhjQB
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREnoubZG2w
"Do you have something you want to say?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj1nA7NQXk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViDapeRFCp
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp0Eqe5sEI
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo86Lrz7Ork
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3o1ILZFg0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVPRHNUL8U
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUI0m3ArU8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGozYRrNvg
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsjMp4VL1F
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw2veRsvpp
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAjlzMCbDa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7DStySXjR
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7sFzRwCdF
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjSzrl2dgx
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lIj1oWutD
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64iUVemSko
"Call me Anima."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UfqRNM2hm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuEMOtGcbC
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbDVe2xC0T
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO6BKAtj5u
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0QSMV0R5M
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxgK2ZytOt
Then, the Harbinger dashed.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNrPbLduAj
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppFXsT9W31
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI4mYaBucf
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuhnhLs4EB
"Ngh!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmgEzjPqXa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouJLCKil7J
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–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lQULF1wPN
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvbeuzEQP4
**THUD**195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWnCfxyxu5
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzQGdmwKOd
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ8VqdmRPe
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMmhoCGTuT
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbrYHMyUFb
"--!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiuG5hqTvL
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ5TYsIPJh
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G7z1sqVNc
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIDh3foL9i
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF0ZeXFJnO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCHdNHN0u4
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld47f3gop8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9rSgJmz22
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvbiocp2dV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOigsy8y5eM
She had hit a wall.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FwA18iEbp
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLngXxDmHY
"--!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbBBhLIUjn
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFYpX3d77s
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–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKcThr7OXQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPCR6csqhM
**CLING**195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5EUpFuV9o
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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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5z9nYRkab
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"Huh. I can't break free."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF8I7EI9jy
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmFfxdv6qJ
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLADjz4nMe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHYwKNQ55j
"--Huh?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5ds6YyRd0
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"Caught you!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbOT65psl8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L0KRy4nIz
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs7yJYY2NX
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k841Pbo0t
"You!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBRkw6YMmh
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa89CQ0tfy9
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh892YHilH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPByjaMgaxz
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRZ9oORzmJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQlFVokKRc
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oveiOPk7A
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1GzoLyzIe
"Hrk!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNpMIeMi0j
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhovTxgoWg6
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7oLAZRlJC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyqtrFgiFP
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGck7VFX2r
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfH5vr4CLI
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZBiVsu5sN
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg2wswVQam
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOgWtTpukO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdCxb5us7O
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kKX0KwBms
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmXrLEePFI
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonQh6OfjHC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQUAPUahJ3
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPdM5gl0RC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X0vuES8aG
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdELjuULNNm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyhAYxpfWT
"...This is irritating."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38eidrG2pX
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8JRRlYuhp
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWzjVxu7CZ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCTPCsTcOJ
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB7XbGhSFQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31YO4YMyVM
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62UlIluL9D
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSISJOIAEOs
Giving up became more and more alluring.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2LDDE4Ynr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQjzEmqy3N
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MqLaPaoeR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlixcjirZha
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWCoIlSXhz
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k9MqfJWYe
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOGWcC88ID
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxiSwjZywA
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZUumDkKV4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0w0pC8b97
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXRSYa4zV2
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW6gp6d5Q3
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25zhZz5rjR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeyK2a81NA
"...Unless, of course."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH9Y0SIwwt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvznVdzFRB
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrLaWkzX9s
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP3kgJHxsW
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4upm4PXorS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04qvj8j7ZE
"I don't like what you're planning!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oVt1BUMYr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUJsSfLF52
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfZsWQ2J7r
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso5o3Bunsa
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU4D5ZNcBO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld42SF9ArX
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEZogTaDow
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YlhEZUJCK
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJDtUZ3O67
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAbG8S3Vxt
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtYw8H0a7e
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw3HaZlo5C
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–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8qC2O6wHu
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wWPQK3lV6
**THUD**195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDZ0HZQOEV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN4OYIn88l
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXmOzNUPzY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BSTSxMKWw
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–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6WG1xlLFH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vql4nIQ6B
"--Hrk!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3ocZ2FBY2
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dCzeyChNi
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg4IFtcJo3
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddnExY0uIQ
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsAf6t8zAk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Op7gAgLcq
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK8CsZv3oK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVWATIJxOz
"This..."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyM4IqRtKg
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA4Nq3kPxb
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw7i7F1oXz
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNzQQnrHyy
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkksuEbbfvO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT3AWUH81o
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA2GvatXYw
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61iwDFaMdt
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KE0OCcQlA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6zZL9CIOr
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEEDVYURqP
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PzP7t55Ol
"--sneaky!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRUfxN2rYU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3E2FzS877
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yWuYLO7sa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoOJbMiyGM
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBxtdTloKn
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBIPerptoJ
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6p3QW7jv6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x3Kh2TJHZ
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX2yJRI7j4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5za8InJbBy
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEUAq6xVt3
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT44fsgo3df
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMaDg679kd
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYoeOcLYeN
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAvOtETag5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNeFsPRdx6
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXmQNEwx1c
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiPFWZkxQn
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76lRKghKYB
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlqnmCMH9r
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGSHczrANI
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSO4g94wtQ
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZjxGEf8SF
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V7iaYce4i
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsTga1LNj0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0UtYDlcK8
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N41g3l71s
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zewQ5T7Oc
"I win, though–"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeQutBJQRY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8XWFID1X1
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSlS9SjX7L
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPn3wCM0Ec
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhl63fWPHi
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvSuIuKYz9
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktBPVaGMgV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3lXWxenAp
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRdVgqj1dL
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTVCcCJqAP
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxL5P34X8q
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywLYdlo2vP
"Can't move your legs?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNDtkWnHuL
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqpV1W0tFK
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIyHYitlrL
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU7b0YzKw5
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbbM5y2BU5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLedx3Fl9c
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cnJnPmuNH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1w6mXNrG1
"Aren't you going to do something?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq61ueOFp8X
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBWBZEckhs
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZI2CMfyts
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWjMB9GtTd
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFzxzwMsnS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf2BTe6Eol
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcNEgz3NlQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcO6VUr1ac
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMRmzF1Nxm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cxyp8x2DH
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–195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl4JgOPqkt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQM16TRzic
**BOOM**195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcQZEIBoBp
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9SNXMW0gH
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74OGmEnYkb
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2nAS8oNmf
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ914248C7b3
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBDMiebPOT
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi8d0q86dX
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnix2DvnS2
"--?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkPYKt75ik
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BnHBegx1t
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F3dkfvQp3
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx9gssC7bC
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QHTS0P4ow
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvH5ezHYzR
"...Ehh."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltgthCnB9i
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsiSQipuqm
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUYODuslm6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLWTnzBF9E
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAaMBw4gcL
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LVRV2iiVP
"..."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1orKkzoWOe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMff9fFwkdS
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeQBEqWl7k
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAYGxaL6Qq
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIvCps3XXU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVdLF9zj1c
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfBxbfmecx
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYnny7uEwF
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uKGTg0fpM
