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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7ukwAKrM9
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6Yuv179g9
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"Kid! Over here!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMV5MNXCD2
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOwfgKL4bR
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"Ya ready!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIYuiRSHeZ
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"Don't ask! Let's just go!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWx953WUbX
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMKpe2RzkR
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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 place215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9bxJRkBu2
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfakrj5L4lL
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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!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrG6eNz1ys
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YEAH!215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg9vTfcWVR
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RNbzPVmI5
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"Ack!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsdB2lFLet
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I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyB8n1ErSc
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"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzkxP0efki
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"R-Right!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19h610s5lC
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWFsnZC19I
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"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CHVClzh2V
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Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e3KeQ6LlL
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"Crap!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlxCLin8u2
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uWf6VlLKe
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However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeb631NJkB
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdvoz87U6i
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqw8eseFdr
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However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZIV00URwJ
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"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8mlapEVmx
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"L-Lola!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuSPSECE12
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That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nxjHHTUl7
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"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rpBLHhWmx
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zGDahNc2V
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"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DpYoVxhCi
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"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP6LUr3TNm
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wZovEs1c5
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Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKoYpZvdmY
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–
–
–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZi7qwMInu
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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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MjMHH6s8c
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxqv08uOf2
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxwLOojzkU
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWihqei1tBi
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"Do you have something you want to say?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwMB8IcYfA
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Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeVBR1zvRC
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN79Y7mTAw
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"Oh, please. You should already know my name."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL6Nr6SBZj
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"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabVl06DgVW
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqJtoyWChg
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"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztBNnhkaql
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The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkszNNUaHXV
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"Call me Anima."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4gcvM42bU
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhLFnQiTMK
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The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Th3kJT05Y
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZlY3BdEok
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyThrpGih3
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"Ngh!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib60O0HNuE
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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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJr9REzQKX
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**THUD**215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRBjp8mTqS
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrx713ec0e
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlADY9KtWrd
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"--!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlag0k9f8Io
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSuyrI1yxW
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Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkVsAyKZpz
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXAmdIynN2
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLht0btvlD
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She had hit a wall.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hWdAMdZrD
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"--!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PKPefdqIb
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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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qq1BXXNRf
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**CLING**215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKESQ56Ic7
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOZICACX4M
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"Huh. I can't break free."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEXVnYLxRU
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYuTpS3gDG
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"--Huh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ItgcfP4n8
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"Caught you!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUBEvbUi47
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdmrU1GlTZ
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"You!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gP5a9NulW
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym5Du3Iebb
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknizEypM5C
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmdUYT6Vpi
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"Hrk!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW8D3nKXjT
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAClCdqnGPB
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHewPG6mEz9
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtnQjatswN
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3GIGInLyR
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf1OBGPCo8
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPKCnF40Xo
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi18aCV7KUl
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Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd1dfptv8a
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"...This is irritating."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTkwGl2qpL
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B9Rt0idtg
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSfuPPdkgl
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JcK8xz1e8
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Giving up became more and more alluring.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDEmNKMyep
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"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfvJkqsi8I
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"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS2FkGb72h
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But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89ZlTH09iq
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUPthG3s4V
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJKShWcKvx
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JJLbXv8K1
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"...Unless, of course."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDr0tAWqqq
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTgEh2I4e8
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She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHlB81pFG9
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"I don't like what you're planning!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3Z1uNNUkF
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6OnEmBmaF
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0ApvZMZ8M
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrteG3ynR6
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZmbYpDbaC
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAzUU50MbV
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHNzsK4vQM
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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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosEd83Bn8k
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**THUD**215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54LOpRgsZy
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJdaQYVeoY
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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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMw9wtSUs7
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"--Hrk!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJWkc3Ar2g
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–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8syKVoRBg
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUy2ti1dvM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboTnxombTE
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpm2rivZZG
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"This..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2d1R2dgcp
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXG5ggCSLI
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvk3FAOaj2
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"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB4jNIL8Eo
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SUWrw6hKK
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The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTPjk51MQB
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"--sneaky!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOULVtyf95I
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT5h8nadnv
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0fHTXwhTH
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Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgqmudfWzs
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFOjqZ9gCb
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9yvUuGTNl
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Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0L5jUzSa8
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...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzs89UMMik
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoFwAHmDJh
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She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyq0LjGJi0
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlES0mLWwjT
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So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAHt9zm8Vt
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"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj4eAI5HQc
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Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S3CZDPWmN
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"I win, though–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ezbfbfh9R
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Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBj4I8AP8k
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglbZ5RnXOX
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYGRnIK778
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"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuFJpKLlMB
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWScPirvwdu
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUf1dyPW8l
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"Can't move your legs?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQRuruRLIa
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"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKANI0ZNrna
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"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRJml6HZXs
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM0NymalRF
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"Aren't you going to do something?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa1aDdVhFJ
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"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdQdvX3OJD
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpbBgJ0FtY
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXNNZTeg1X
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It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjErF7tIcJh
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjOx6gpGgf
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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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLau9phfNr9
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**BOOM**215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrKIQx0dBx
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiABGLnstm
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI1FV8QHF1
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"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0psb9gBpcg
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"--?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjHEgh1IxB
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"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMst2G5NzG
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6xI4zUDqc
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"...Ehh."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM6UZDZawW
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeVPoFAbvU
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Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd7NFjR6Dt
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"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E9ugvN1s4
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3tKJ3JDV5
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"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlWM748jCH
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pEJItycJ8
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A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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