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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dbPr8fHZT
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMhe8GRhkR
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfjWXZRMs2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW8fCzI4nN
"Kid! Over here!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzozQymIoO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXYnzv1RaD
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmiY1vnixd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XEtcYewWG
"Ya ready!?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySf3kpi0P9
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBV0A8tYND
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb5iS0ooTR
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAL5OdSn13
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHW5uUBYDQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pya8GpCno
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUclGLyfDj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0DNz11md5
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa5igCeOae
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09ATxVRwaT
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5QMm99aFE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70mBfrJcfk
YEAH!261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9W647sSLu2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7Zx65KAnS
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO2FDm2EL3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xzbFSbqb2
"Ack!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImiri2bpht
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ1q12QGYb
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF45lQJK5eq
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvS7UanRLl
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBetBQxnKyP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGawJMslcVx
"R-Right!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW0iwNO9mI
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eGnrcsrOO
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDnK9XjNfY
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr8CV5Ueey
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHmYsOpufi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b4Puk8udG
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EwoON6osT
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmfxmKYiQB
"Crap!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwhcjXYTEa
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj1uXyivce
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuPWMU5Cfw
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKH0EvjJUU
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDNhHHWX8o
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyevlkmkWL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlIeBf9UkY
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUaKbP44pi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZBReku2l9
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWWNI994Kh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvgnml8vWQ
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvVcID6kbD
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGiKeiPra2
"L-Lola!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvIffmVsAK
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbAdeuO0fl
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAwEpMrAOO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SKZnu2RjX
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkoLzYtXDf
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOSNsnxA2a
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrhgipjWq3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5d4K4vuhD
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGiEk9OEey
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndOYw4CbCm
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fenY0GSiT
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR3ZDpX35G
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe4MjXLQsG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvFECYd2H0
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEga5eNotOH
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–
–
–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2qnLPOQ1M
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnJvHkH2tn
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkvubpyyCj
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPnctpw98H
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c1P8IfLCZ
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw2bRTMquv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYRwGOUKdI
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym12FCDsdw
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEeJl6mswm
"Do you have something you want to say?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43uzIV5BB0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HLyeTpTtz
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiVftlzBA8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH31bcWnhKy
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbDosy9c7B
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcpIsYb4ig
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTkyReLL79
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oqUmX6M74
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwTBtXqlYv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWy1JxWKzQ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zNhuG90ay
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizAC9c9qzp
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Bp89bK31b
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfgM6NX7TT
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5lpq0yUix
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8b3DDfcoc
"Call me Anima."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlM2X4biYQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG859nRwpQ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWRM1yG4TA
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMOLBJhigV
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mJctMDQVw
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1b8EvF9TO
Then, the Harbinger dashed.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77Awt7ThEo
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jG15RAicL
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyApFcBVrmf
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHMgAd6jX8
"Ngh!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhCG2rSpYG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w7pYOM2Lt
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxQGmHK0xG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5Po4QnP8T
**THUD**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy9Sz8TX0F
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU8IHIaFsZ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW9gJjOM9x
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCvaGokGe7
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLJcSgV0Zd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcnHgPTAda
"--!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTk334dQPe
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhWSEEsWcB
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKAJSfSR4Z
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUymEW4ZAr
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp5DdlL05Q
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuriEFkHyt
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5IUf3V8Gv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ417KWleD0h
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8AKivoRqP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLptZx6vxhc
She had hit a wall.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XIlCSat6i
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA3jD9zEtw
"--!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWD4wHtI4l
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPid3mIN7RL
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkQ9vQkcwQ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX2C4Sj5Wt
**CLING**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuuLjzNsJa
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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.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF8ehwuqBx
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVU5mIdgaV
"Huh. I can't break free."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7IMASaFG6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbhzfff2A3
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWTfgHmTPs
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzQlzpO4aK
"--Huh?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2ZAfwWgD3
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"Caught you!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhrX8bU8ue
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpVpnjhOmU
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79hnae3Qf1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHfqPgCyrn
"You!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0pdsbgtY4
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyhXtZOpHH
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmeKsc90wz
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl5Y2smLYq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyrRJHGb86
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpk3J8cmhy
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdYUG4BC5A
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kZCWpAFsk
"Hrk!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP2qUm7zeb
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6MWmYbUXn
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzcqxmIunN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IGQ9GTtYu
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjVUAQTysc
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IHvCXSfAO
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIJThIm6T7
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGYvhKjsKR
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXcJzElqoq
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrFFi7aJmV
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghxUcst8qm
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46pDTeJEFP
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBPIzwghIX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uj4Vd4elH
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqbrwZUjLv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBTK5YtIvp
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmMwxge0Ox
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZvk4EcaKz
"...This is irritating."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFZXRhJQtP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiinLWR10VR
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEar3dw6Eo
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIC4RvLRpE
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvR3QKYYvj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtemTOwgmu
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG91Q58Kgs
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9hzKtFUqC
Giving up became more and more alluring.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxikXHP19S
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwn1ANlEJw
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFDTiac0pv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0ppNhqUJX
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDpD9YwANU
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCZk0xy2Qn
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywGPUD53IJ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj9DGLitEA
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsQujp5sUG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60VQxnRUX8
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTLKLWThRL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLRRsUluvH
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q3am0iTiX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q0AzR6C40
"...Unless, of course."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct52AyM8st
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCF2ftceN2
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz2Eo4qWha
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmtEyOICtU
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK89L3OBTg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSuAe864Wt
"I don't like what you're planning!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6KSejMhp1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmw9PEUMgf
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8oLRAVcaE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lza4lIQNU
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTbv0N67eG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs3I4gacRd
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3eoIngzIA
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUWDPcZYAe
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59RgPYs27O
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1DNlhRmQp
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFzn9nkrR6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNas5CzGak4
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF9n9bSXTs
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrx7UMlmKL
**THUD**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqMak8ciWm
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89s1pePbes
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ggppQCzBL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pVWxjW4e6
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DPoZQuZFl
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK5t5roCOf
"--Hrk!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlshIFx7Pv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdaiEdwnhy
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvnF8FJ0LO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz195FHNr6o
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lV6jUGDQL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKDkN5lENh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLuOrtwbbN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoH5vHrvuB
"This..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYvFuAZkvg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UI58tIXcK
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIwQZN2dAP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZDyKO3qj7
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSBX5hXcyg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34adcPLjAT
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicnW6ucgGb
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFZukgGpjr
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvv3QhCDgk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORfrsMjjFz
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3EJ4IBVp6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgOvIx63qX
"--sneaky!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsPRNtIDdX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwV7i6Mv3O
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz5zyDuSdL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFVJZj2POE
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlU17i0zqI
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtimMxM09Uv
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWAV2EOrY7
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagpHL1DAUW
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ88xaaqkK
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN6NknKNSR
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL6KcPA4kj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWebp2By86
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHrZJVhRPP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv1CxTtyp7
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB1Pgf0xOh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLLkJN7z3s
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl7PJ9oBer
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAvWtdQouq
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebTgymJHCC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4cTTYrmvh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GQXcybheY
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbn2ltQKny
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB5vkb2yLs
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1S2EDcJUh
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt8hzVbSCG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvsVZVrcDQ
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9LXUD9XXW
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybGBHEQx3c
"I win, though–"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHayHiypSc
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcgblgVlIC
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRjI8ku7rM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hubxkrH5d
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcTzWsiRvO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox4TxlgVdp
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9nEnuNgJd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWegNFKAr0
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWuuIJNJyo
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Arv0APk4A
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCHMXDK2fF
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkzrJqtbGL
"Can't move your legs?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyH90f01Wr
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAWI6itdmO
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmaycHCBjE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWF6ACxZSM
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUjvb0wE9H
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UJJcluUCY
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC20ZZjlhq
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9vEZBr7Jv
"Aren't you going to do something?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wKgezdjP6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3Sz8NC5r2
"...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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15NqmAzzse
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNgrgAwa6m
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXARg1Hz6E
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJtJEPS0dd
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGZtxc0rQC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtGDdqDlzZ
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGYejNR6TS
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7xppwU064
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeuozzfx7A
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVSAd1FD2V
**BOOM**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaliEUjGv0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjyjRLu9XR
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs3m7JsHV2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUrfQ2ldAV
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGlUyJDDaJ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCEsb2ADRz
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYISannf48v
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquHDgb6oks
"--?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX6j5qfITR
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB088nTBCz
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EB6z7VeAk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi2mSlwXbB
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdso1ProU1Q
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uwDFjOlDm
"...Ehh."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eZXYDrsJZ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMQB3nHaIz
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSurZL8QxHx
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiQplPM6Zt
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV2rP5l7Tk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHZSyX8g3M
"..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6SotCAVje
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9iEm6hHpz
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylueJ7uCh5
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31Cknu6N2h
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77dZZUNMNk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkMXygSunJ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMMLcTIJg8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuYmmQlnNb
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvkDpTDSfA
