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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7auDmm3Q0F
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJrhej8htL
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lN5RmQqLh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxPEMrDPfz
"Kid! Over here!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbm28x54K9
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlsMtIimnT
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEShvllQEJ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbJB3Dv8SA
"Ya ready!?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJDU5SnbHL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAci9ksSRWD
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDRMHyuPb2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWImjaF7ySw
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgWRU3PD3L
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsPtvcejl4
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 place261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xzY1id8Xk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuf3KDyzVZ
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FYILgsqIM
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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!?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdIAuxrCJT
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc8P9UREgt
YEAH!261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinZv7RPQHt
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8EabmHgpl
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EZyU1GYKh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ONIOjoJAG
"Ack!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYxThO26zB
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvHYNRgCxV
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrhHQcmBOh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB6GRm98BB
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqRqeseICh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsN7ovtW2Z
"R-Right!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WqDcyIKzg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTZMtNjtnI
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtMwN8cvpZ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZCSZY7KAh
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kMh81kkQt
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNrFk5C1Iy
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5IvDGavJ4
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjhdF6DUxu
"Crap!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfIdJTEkrj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTSy5Noqm3
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ031pqWVjM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZh0ry3sje
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBzRNuE5qQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAWeklXFRC
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9M3VDGfHb
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxlFiqsGIr
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLjxC5vV0r
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSDYtVbjlc
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOwcIzTf5W
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLDahK4yRZ
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70gHi1oZAG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoGGgusdII
"L-Lola!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeYg5CWl9N
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyF9gsFAZA
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKTLqmN4un
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb41OJ9uYZh
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcME1H20V0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXtYBd9xN8
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVu57ltM6M
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYUfopU98o
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3xIDy6266
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV151vv8wp
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuFBHD1jK0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDtd08EfEv
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7PV6z481r
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9nhAXGmpE
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YrISUypVm
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–
–
–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnvSfJVrcv
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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?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN88NMBjzTv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtKopfQzE9
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX9c5gkqNW
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwMWCbGwYM
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeZ8ABQUvQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXchKKlWAbF
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPglNCw3CXY
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk1SjukAcD
"Do you have something you want to say?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqrEM0y0G2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7ZNoDZWoE
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiTqjDxXtJ
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDB5Euw0yT
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJW14h5U5r
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfXLcfruX2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0OU5pWqLz
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR26y0cMnqF
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkwaCh5M1u
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB30yxsJTa
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWMB3guz3S
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF0ZaMZJ6I
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU20ZKBWlcH
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbpf1xYW5U
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYQuf8lEag
"Call me Anima."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rZJDerPkS
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc0ESIjdlV
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKdVGHEIwU
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpJybDYooK
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G8lDhkd8g
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClHgehQwZI
Then, the Harbinger dashed.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHqjlni6qi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHr25cX94Q
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv8Oqj6uKj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPwL1B1oKN
"Ngh!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3X2M2wB2I
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QK0V7e4kb
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–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3XShtWaMx
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dwqbh5AuA
**THUD**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOljtIX9rc6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQCv7YA7uQ
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoD5XJ0GH3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvVT4nFVwv
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3BlIxgiGm
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM357NpgJG
"--!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwxYCInhyN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx15pQ5ema
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZDewmzXSJ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQCS8vmwwz
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4PceNS806
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0SxYz7uDu
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDY5eRdRU6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T60H3iJWB
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLC5d5CppC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUycYnkilt
She had hit a wall.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrF7swKSyB
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzhJ880EMd
"--!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVH5RQOoco
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriRlkOYAeY
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–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNIs82K2r8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU58Q6gaejb
**CLING**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtcjfKVPul
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtfpMA970s
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Zx9Yy3Mbs
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEJD9GiuKz
"Huh. I can't break free."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n7ZZDRc2o
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L6uDIG4Ga
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkJsgKsSQU
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOgUoyUHXh
"--Huh?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15zv2uJ4vk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAmUimbNHq
"Caught you!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq5gieRKAw
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfkytnDNxI
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIfCVhAAjQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWx9tRHL5v
"You!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIaBwzRtoC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqS07TQtoT
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg8Wo277Rd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSkrwbuBSa
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwNZg1rK7E
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dJBKWXcxc
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIPtukPdUW
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxsbk2MiMO
"Hrk!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnoioScVpN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalGR356g4j
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzY8QVpxql
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BgDZNUyeT
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFtx9JcfNM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzinenlDf0v
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU72h8RRfX3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHJQ9Nywhq
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTInaxNPIQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMXjRX2wKY
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmh8eXLM5j
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdPu21QH5X
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoTga9WOIp
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMUUT2eXRd
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz5lkHz6Ss
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpzKMiGxth
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ko1a3X9Gs
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKE2HHrBbW
"...This is irritating."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW6UBXHLwd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4POaZH6Nf
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPAUAyBaip
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEecoaiQgil
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcrvZLmic8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC1VnBb0w6
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOPaQS86gT
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb6eXCGU4V
Giving up became more and more alluring.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQqk7xQS1B
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZPMJ0Nc1t
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUhyKzwm0A
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR2ABgFNrE
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV8lF9wQtU
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2zrhDFXwV
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxMmlYL5rh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10fT3Iqtlf
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx617PZH5G
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEknNp7lLg
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnhpbtrCjx
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lnxhLTDa8
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1zNWbgqQW
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"...Unless, of course."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7M7sARTFv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEzboAfK7z
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D8ugaMNSN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF48N9Joxb
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXCSDL0FeK
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc2hjsR2U2
"I don't like what you're planning!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wHI81R0Lw
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoumVYHsHI
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoMnNPyzgJ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz21SnrnKPM
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFpxrxUF7v
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKC4qg8vRp
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTtt5ooGNB
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyibys1aqU
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAkW2lVCq0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8R5RHJ2Hs
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr4gryz2Qo
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPturlKH4Sc
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–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4kRohGyta
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmPyZNOpUj
**THUD**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TzkAboNdr
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyAerkvxzc
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzM5KpWAf1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hYSY4l7ri
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–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WMXdHxZJ7
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VZ6ezBeip
"--Hrk!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DbEQzsjqa
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw0xzcbrcV
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSfKKNk37p
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWzo3DAQyA
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mCerZWbQK
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7jR5iNzmO
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyhXjuxCbL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44JZ37BN3o
"This..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFruQ75vDJ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoLwW7M0rJ
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcM2R7jH48
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkBQwhe2Cn
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NvAjW58LL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad4zk43y2J
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFC3lbDxpr
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw4xjuY8NV
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69ryk9XDTG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AF9Gwohtz
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN463Qiiju
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcUtCuf4py
"--sneaky!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDwxBmZzTE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1Z30dcRF4
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxhGw2w2kb
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuUNGaQcUG
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NYTP6Xgo9
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICYvw8ilQ1
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AFHZu3CDH
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHJceGpUtd
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHKLtmb2dj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfC6FjXwTR
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWgkeubxCM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv2YSAOekH
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOWDmPWH1F
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41XctZMVcO
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GJNEVwEx0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmuvmc2vtF
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG8RTLvELh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBTVZ5xQwB
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY50FAECP3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuk5SPBl55
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfV8U1bUvZ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTwThkS2DF
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrPLOxsx20
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBegQ3GIpgD
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfRQqOm2Ij
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB0lNBYyRt
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA04IHoyanD
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2whuvw0bA
"I win, though–"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8QivRfN4c
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRYQxUcmMs
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSMjpS77em
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LMkYuAgGA
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9sry1kYLQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb4isyz9xv
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d9cZ3uVuT
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCAxBYMfk9
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZbbKbdPmJ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xUeTHA1Dx
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZCZG0L1k5
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LoWj6xX85
"Can't move your legs?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0UwHaIaCU
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcsCSNmR24
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGiy4UJis2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCVhIsQxpc
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bZHDuXnjc
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHOFqIVUUe
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZy60n5KVg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyV8kRknk4
"Aren't you going to do something?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsbm5UgfXg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyHqonqDAy
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAHByJZH0i
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK5THldp3Y
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Dxtiof9Pn
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ktpVOzMy2
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dOwB8vIn1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflPHC2df0Z
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlCxrQvkhF
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOH6q18xc2
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–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmPMt1jv82
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoIrFdpY9s
**BOOM**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSr2VcW2Cm
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVaASNRoE0
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVfxRwrYPt
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlwv8x1Tc4
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4nvqj2rg4
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJUkURhqhI
"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."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhglgQFGTig
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AVDauEz69
"--?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWWHSXs2TE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrcVdr91QP
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLtd55V7R5
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYpbQyhSHi
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt1BBfLFh9
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnm8aRdq7J
"...Ehh."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsgWu6Nftv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LNaouHDAh
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14resZqB4C
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAhnmvZL0i
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeSi5veJzC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvZpudPaQi
"..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8loJgFLoWi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyzIlMefnG
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjRP53d6nR
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhhUH72Lj3
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ024Z5gARmi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZgVV1F0Ws
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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc6PVelSEh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2UwndrPpl
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZGSE2lGUx
