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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3ZaPK2PEY
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj5k7M8slc
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B8mfIpFuQ
"Kid! Over here!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpVjoLSItG
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5TDb41GsA
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl91Ty9IGJH
"Ya ready!?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL0XBo2pPu
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"Don't ask! Let's just go!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXpYwqrb0f
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdhW2wkQEp
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jEcQLs3Q4
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 place154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtImaZsPGQY
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCl2xVMCRM
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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!?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RPtsBTqTt
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YEAH!154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3Hvco0zsL
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY90uECUJR1
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"Ack!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejWf0TyLgF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwG3tcx807
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n8pKhRlTY
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszSD9omyqS
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhGfxhbVJM
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"R-Right!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4dZsVVCGk
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAvVlUNNS0
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvFZclwO9y
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gTppLboYJ
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpTJ1WIdQ8
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcM4dNu26A
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrkmaPS6Gl
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"Crap!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxkIdJiQfk
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKHTnJJcmz
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiOVIHglZP
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AcgT5GvBE
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREKjMOu0b0
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNO2DGbDb4
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0QNUnJzLp
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However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETBCuV1OC9
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"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9bzHdFMjW
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"L-Lola!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQILzlXFGB
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That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GCkH4Qd9R
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd4wGqFCDy
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83pQg3CXVG
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoPcffPEjh
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zrOfNuCNa
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfAIfeoylD
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhclPK0sjm
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmvuVJ3fac
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxtKvSb7cx
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV35TSMZ0e
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnwJkukm32
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlraQhUjt10
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–
–
–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGdwO02zos
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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?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLDElJjiSm
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdPXEsPmG5
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LDKJjtqNa
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kDrhNb9ep
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEPWN3PAYX
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfdNtLAGCw
"Do you have something you want to say?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT9lAgX4P2
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiS1hbCCs5
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh8WfPbJKx
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MMgdqmWm1
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfq1xSDMnD
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStvd6EiZFV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rxH3qp0PT
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtToZzEBv4c
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5B0t0K3FF
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QoQXqBZX2
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDHCMa1udV
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIceyn8JjbS
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BWv7dNOf8
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakwgVarzR5
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI0RytDupV
"Call me Anima."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VwIA0EPKA
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jrEAoo1s7
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RruV0kcHS
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncuiiAzXpD
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DaFljtUFo
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGeIGbLT68
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"Ngh!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWWfFmzFZ9
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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–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZHUpyMYOC
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**THUD**154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEobqcemVw
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EYlIFnzt6
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHYPiCRdmW
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"--!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5OwrkrkQo
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Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx9DK8YX6g
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwmzOFfwRH
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHid7xLnPdb
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rxu58IvSX
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrUK3lVJAp
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPoo7TjAfv
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqn24GAAWf
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She had hit a wall.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaAqk1Qykc
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"--!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDnuEki7vS
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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–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbpKVHOuX4
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**CLING**154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBhi3U2hFR
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDdsBKkjVH
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"Huh. I can't break free."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIL7DUSJ1o
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2yrMzLMko
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYYb0BKOjj
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"--Huh?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQWOwhkm6w
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"Caught you!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bTgT9iv8H
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukxaNNZja6
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"You!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe7BVFXsRo
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS5yUl60eH
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqfWKanTtF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T8IRzFWig
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa5WROOnW9
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGgCelxAmP
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvt1HU9wyc
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzCDuMCdNA
"Hrk!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9b3wsTo9y
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXlnRCzSIU
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSjdTZBHWV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZojfuXXKh
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCskHwI3CF
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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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PenkWiaRf
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdE4Q4Z5ey
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtugpScaCIV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC62iut84gk
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzVhr8rjsF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2ls3rDrRG
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUFUzjwKga
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNAyrwhFtR
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFX6XwIh3p
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Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVr6fbWFQn
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"...This is irritating."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXU4r3hKMg
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd28LZDRGtD
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxqkstQgiP
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gXS1s5IPi
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXLi95n7le
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNBUqrrpSd
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiX90Wwn6c
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Giving up became more and more alluring.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ470hEoaCbn
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXze7Ug4n3
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpGiYlh8HR
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZOxZY5wrP
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbFD9Q2kH3
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gC2MosJQK
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOOfeQLmES
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrklgBGOK5
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzLDmlO573
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVZP7eFtyn
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dk3CcD1n8
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle767SWaXF
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwScpDbPx8H
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"...Unless, of course."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW03JAcLhUn
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylHOWD7IRL
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd6YYqBrSX
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ywgZyS5f8
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcBbABp5Wd
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMba3usdRa4
"I don't like what you're planning!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmLS4KQLOc
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNmjPN1m3E
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXBuZAlaes
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PDfqFxeOu
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71YGSf4G2c
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lCqEToDs6
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTCY9VW0EI
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxtapIqROS
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnis4VgcwCp
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhv9wlkRth
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW9V3vJxRF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9YM6CDH4w
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–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6gttXLYmZ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsp7O18bcG
**THUD**154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw3eD5iMRr
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92F9jhIB2A
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg51vYUZ7V
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1IJIldPZp
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–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25pZsTjjpT
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnjCihsZpl
"--Hrk!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhacHHhdl9Y
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWt9t53fAH
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH20I1FAd2R
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqrtEKErMB
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeSmtoEbMj
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwV2OK3F5F
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsNXGB0cy9
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB8FYG8DKJ
"This..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8xxWujjhl
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxUzJRus1W
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE0qdVvbjj
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYABcJCIdA
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEswNrJupnZ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD9B6ZUnDX
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6rO81Awbs
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT3tkus0Q5
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPW2XCSt6t
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ2KnhJzkG
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVkm6UQNjS
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wlt61ZWHu
"--sneaky!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7PAWh1GRC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zr26oUp7D
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLm2CFXEsC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNNlnbwWqm
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iBgvhQ5EZ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvEuWjbjue
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrulLID677
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG69sl5urwv
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhChG8wCez
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjxbZ9CYX3
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD12GRmJmP
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjPKmPvXd0
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqU4R8Xcir
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUeZ79IK6o
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemnvKSFyNh
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlivsDrlBF4
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD2ArWjqu4
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxL3qQvuci
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWxRa55rdU
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4JI50S44D
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hk4TPXuwE
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUmZ0c67ea
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiUOpiGDtJ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnwHj66KXa
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEsGcqSEsZ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0oCfAN5fJ
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8XWypd6mu
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDurmx1DihE
"I win, though–"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrWIk0liLj
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GyjBLPZUW
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UJcYVP2XO
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lKf07tXwe
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcoPmFAoJX
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrR4SeivmL
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomAT5gm4Vm
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZHdin4zue
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD79dWltAKe
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkOl0o6KSU
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAXLxpCxN7
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltoX94ATtm
"Can't move your legs?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmSpxMZQS7
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSXBcewmxG
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT1uBTVhV5
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jnXENo81g
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPkNUHCNMm
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsjzhp8WD3
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvYf9Cd1mC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpErCmg4d1
"Aren't you going to do something?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYNE5PucwO
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUBBUr9Rfj
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBGikA1nMA
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQq4XEjWJm
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE9aB0LvwF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczrch0IaSl
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hhb7GGwXF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIaVRZ6v1u
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqIVY5ya1x
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8B2GsO7X4
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–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH6dtKbfL3
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKvxLG8w2O
**BOOM**154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayXF4plebS
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kPD2TMkhM
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5S3edivms
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbThaRzHXP
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovGmkWc2o4
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxQKOxXqck
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH6agMXYom
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OgMiux7WQ
"--?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46yS5NN3mV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIuiIMsVVf
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZhuMce7Kg
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVFOwovfSN
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF6BJ5bwnw
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vgM02Pt6o
"...Ehh."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzM7KOvyMg
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQotXa8zlU
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEklcW4D1OC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudlHGjiOfN
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPsUpL5AwV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKZ8oSxbzI
"..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡook0N2lnG8
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuagv5wUX1W
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmp2CpYyng
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWxHpw15bY
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkibRKo2Ge
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9mzxVz602
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR2YMy1lBV
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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