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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekojQDe3bi
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qtWRoRN0A
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"Kid! Over here!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKzpiHS73I
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBU10iiud4
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"Ya ready!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJrVMh7EN1
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"Don't ask! Let's just go!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGt0Jxdd3e
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37NQKzw4u0
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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 place153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ALKZmD9Zt
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPA5FI4LQV
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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!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR7inFyt7P
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YEAH!153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjsvJjj2PX
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahCAlY7nzJ
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"Ack!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE4CFFrD7W
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I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzYwYCq7OO
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBcsz5cCgV
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFBW96BXve
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"R-Right!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfx5Gmta0b
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGBVskwLmL
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"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBCHKalAjP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCD79qpJ0x
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYCaeOGltj
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"Crap!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EQAEBJm4q
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYo729ycsP
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However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3Oo1bnthv
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGrP1fhH4C
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7MDh71QW6
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However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5w0e16mEf
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"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6liBlARoF
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"L-Lola!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSnr1XTrsy
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That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaxpc1vvlR
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"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmHTclnjwv
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q2q756fje
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"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD59QQnMMiR
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"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxSUvTYvwG
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKLiVmKN4u
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNJJKWHvjP
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–
–
–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T7svtn4aC
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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?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGOvxMG0vS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNuLnvYzWh
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N2mpRlPVM
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALGje3wDNW
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM6gyn2uV5
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"Do you have something you want to say?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2ieUzCldZ
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIvf1cgYK1
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbE8knSbIz
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"Oh, please. You should already know my name."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NBICcx5SJ
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"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsM8Jz70kA
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBXTNWrBUw
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"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV7tPxNbGg
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The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlgOwUIFvk
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTKGEuzmLm
"Call me Anima."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcaWZNk8sk
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTytNqqnoXv
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW70UCdPcV
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYH9RZivdC
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4Dt1JBORt
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"Ngh!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAjkeXoqAJ
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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–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd023aqn74G
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**THUD**153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK71NuE6hn
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv5ms9m39F
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCUyRluBgG
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"--!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFLtWNLRs4
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHouFIidKBz
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Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx2ctkfIEd
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq2mhh3WQD
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyObsP6yF6
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She had hit a wall.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr5lCsAcCL
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"--!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLnmMHwCpo
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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–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xD76wnErU
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**CLING**153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATJ4zByvdK
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTMhM9vXXH
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"Huh. I can't break free."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXafGNHdks
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbywnAvZnP
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"--Huh?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKtshLLDoN
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"Caught you!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw21wSlcnt
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHWmVDwl4a
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"You!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIww0nWbSA
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIt5JTQkEN
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T23R6Cjeq
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FHBwegYNt
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"Hrk!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6dgsUEnCx
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKQQMoBZ5M
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQdqqWlYIz
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB856uMMj5F
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmpRxAOQIZ
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCteQATNXA
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF01u7UHvs
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqORSECKHK
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxCoxTYlII
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr3pTx18rz
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Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy5K2a7Ewv
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"...This is irritating."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDbcVS9IA8
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSKK6uaOy1
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jmT5wIj6W
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA2GTZiXSM
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Giving up became more and more alluring.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Cq2tIxIA
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"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQYB49EEA4
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2fQd10UKq
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH7MjUMqzR
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZHzBT86Py
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwgiXSReWP
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WkyZSoGES
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sxOLs3zka
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"...Unless, of course."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuL9t6H5OS
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQZ8H9pacw
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8pmRVfI2C
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"I don't like what you're planning!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKAgLqUOi1
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RperWVQF5
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWbrZzU29y
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp1pNUqNIm
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWTqtUSLXn
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMFDgm4kgS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3oeX5YlfG
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJGPKbstE2
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy8XDzd1or
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–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NI6TfpLH0
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**THUD**153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBstOUzn3P
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf6ziO4qkH
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiuWvEBJGr
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–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiq1KxqTHs
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"--Hrk!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaqe4UCEka
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–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapEfMMb6fn
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aOt5i1fJO
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fdMMrJDd9
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL0WpEC7zA
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"This..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPkgCLK6Hm
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCPQiX2jyE
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuAO2BFdMD
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"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjVlvHo0xx
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3SV2pYYXv
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The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RCqQ4ad9A
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"--sneaky!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ4ZOHPuJ2
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRuPoSY34j
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqXo0qaMz1
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x6A8szYSO
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xsKitJfge
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFSGKoTDod
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiTSK4nP1K
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquj9bBfhnY
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlhcmk97aP
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Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8Qv3aIND0
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSQWGuhgpz
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRGKR4zmrM
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnRG9PB7bo
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbU9oj1P7s
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She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvovshHd2f
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QFRn9zlGT
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So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRGlq5bwoz
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"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtGJpomNsz
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpZmZU27Ho
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ2MmQP2qU
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"I win, though–"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRA5ba3M4m
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Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡherxwg34rn
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5mqRI6Gvi
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS2w7yvoFp
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfK6s5Ttc2
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRtrQ9u4GY
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTYnqDLKwf
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7kFUHo4CA
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"Can't move your legs?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOv0wc560D
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3VAYt0Zbe
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5gmIt2MOW
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRgYBpISTQ
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZqO5x6rev
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5qqtNo9Em
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomQQ0Sos26
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"Aren't you going to do something?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO13pT2rsZ
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mULG80NWX
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopaGIcNTqm
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5ntvPk2Ja
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjJiBf3PON
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It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Cm6UjRhL
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCljz8IZ9ka
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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–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMg8BX8gG6
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**BOOM**153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1lh6eKNwx
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1OtTS9V5L
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eJf1vrnd9
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDJ19lSdx6
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2jsCvF5Jv
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKir6CTBg3Y
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0j6XnrJAp
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLQFeqJBID
"--?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVE3IqCtc7
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"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu6RryuaC1
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA4ASG5V9j
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"...Ehh."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuMvr0k3Ji
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaxmFcT2hj
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Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjxzAUgJRV
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9EstVOElW
"..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKMG3G4IMD
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XJwkU1ztk
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"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1Xrkr7lRH
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIRx5UgosC
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A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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