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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy5R6corTC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDlWH3Ei0a
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnt4ouKwJX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9G7hyJ1DM
"Kid! Over here!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmPGOFTNka
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4KMShIx21
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXgkrGQMNi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcucCqLTYuv
"Ya ready!?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAgY3dgeEo
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kgDRy1deX
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXujI7hpdR1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBflB9wsyT
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewLuPRqDlv
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bhnffcb7j
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2J9uYwBJe
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc2rL8YEG1
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQJENdt1PG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxmBhfqLe6
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUItPuOlgA7
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYoixJo12u
YEAH!261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu56b7OHfz5
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMRloBbkRz
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI2l3wXDJr
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92gY7DK2D9
"Ack!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLBEDzOqiW
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rDSDeyL3S
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJU3Ez0UTC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB0gfjcxEl
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHcsSHmDRX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ev99INaZQ
"R-Right!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhBb6GZJif
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj75F8i9c6B
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsIVslTDzP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGtAzOrhr1
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR4spyKLlE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIspUJxgd9k
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVof7lx7NM3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hI0H2FRFS
"Crap!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCLTo2bVhG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMmylACBEW
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36fevek7Px
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cwXd9I456
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wIRBE5gpw
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t7gTJFjKy
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QupJJXATi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvniT47QmT
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA8ei2ObJE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UGaPzyOpM
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJIyXonmmB
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7WcnPxfbb
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fYlpmPk6a
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9LePal43n
"L-Lola!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyddEHmQ3e
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCZuBDpuPy
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJoWyfq8r7
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q2C9GD4eI
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eaz2hymXL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfZBCJHoFX
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekizodfSzK
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7RcyGU3iM
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh1NfppNkF
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfIuVACWHS
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnhfN9kyDO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKVwFrhK90
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkTNtdKs8n
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRwTLUDFyh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX0gW30SHK
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–
–
–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Jv6a7JaAQ
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡary0kt88XE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYAPZzGD08
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMnyuoi2LE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXzdMOJ96w
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFCi5TzmtA
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw8JYqO23d
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxC9LLiAy8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcGfvDdrjw
"Do you have something you want to say?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfh8muRTeH
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlLDoQfZSL
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxpGQAg3uH
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWtHPrkEnM
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdq1rwox9a
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJOLOIVXgJ
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIhFRl9x0o
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5AcuJZ8Gt
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEXy8Cps81
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLN9lhuVV7
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0JNsa2npu
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AeGVELZ1o
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjte8vpmJf
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2vH7YJvcV
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9BjaDUDTu
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxADSoANGk
"Call me Anima."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6kjpJjLFo
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGccOev6Cp
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlIeP1hvj0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCsTczcVeF
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKGlXK7VQH
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fgN85Vz2u
Then, the Harbinger dashed.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SH94q3aV3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGPrvPRCpw
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdvIO5J9zi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhi3HzHyjK
"Ngh!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq4EbcDdU9
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPvcIVWuEB
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yK8ddoLTE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXIMmc5jKL
**THUD**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fEyydXTCj
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRdNT5Agtu
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE4STI9vYI
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakbT1FnwOT
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthYrOtklY2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXdGZh9Imb
"--!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM92NZ15PlJ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1NSzR8Pgp
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrUnTEKqD3
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRvwA7qEEg
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzypXZiq86
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfpLni3UCd
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR7Sh1lJR8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa6DLb6fLc
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S8mcSTvEp
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGPJv88QHI
She had hit a wall.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKEogVHjUy
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79ApCyaP6I
"--!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KPtQQC76n
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVc7DoS5h7
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKjfCxAJnI
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTxnpiN5Jm
**CLING**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH0yW2BHsI
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz8PoPrQwA
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZQI5qXG40
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuj9W43kcJ
"Huh. I can't break free."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4LT6ZobS9
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCoMZbMttD
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyysKB1sxa
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbceRP8jrl
"--Huh?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hfYJ5G6VM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjSPLCpguo
"Caught you!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpMjcUUWUw
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6KEbVPW60
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKRoeWfhyH
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX47xYDk7e
"You!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnHC7BwjQE
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfNk5pqVlb
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqox9WpKn7
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMVVRzOiJx
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaJGwuqZQd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSK8ch0RgC
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhWOAdNGgC
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdl3eReKzm
"Hrk!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVwnmq445U
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoppgSdDgUX
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE7UHDxhMg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC9OHUe3GS
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqlJddpl8z
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwqeTU2BLM
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM4O63pIGH
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvwMfLNDd5
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlJhLrKLAg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5LE97uYaN
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsm1GlduCB
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cakoAEdxR
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMUFmDANRM
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iNTxFWXQo
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEuqPG8ZZA
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXM7CTDGQ7
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6EONTu21i
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCaMsgd386
"...This is irritating."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjervxVL75
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebj3FACVw3
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9aXwBR4MX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAltLVw5A15
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuVFU6r11Q
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jBDWgwr1q
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaTItGytEl
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOEIliP6bP
Giving up became more and more alluring.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kgYTF2yAG
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrReAEkreeF
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7XqCY0z9F
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lT2jJRBga
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCYqjQYibW
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFjyMRZY7A
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBUCFWCpoa
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoo3J9Nuf7
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldSq1wOdmk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmV0H5Suq3
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAux6MuC1R
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj25MfXt7oD
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C0FfLGqhO
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"...Unless, of course."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimOnkIZ4Rk
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2BIRpqsVq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jhnnimsok
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz0xPTMRY7
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft37URE7mO
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50OOmHUOpb
"I don't like what you're planning!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcBKT2baac
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbXNGVhiXO
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9BUkSEWWi
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CZ4dyNu3c
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnowERzjzEu
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeolTK9L8hc
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YCEIfc0N9
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SUsq0jDWA
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sKN7sylWd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFimKb62Ae
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiLNWVx7NZ
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYQvLR6Ivy
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPZDKJFX2P
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnd1ttFwsiO
**THUD**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvvzRBLI1r
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDZdMzm59V
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8ZxJsbsD4
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjx3oR1qGU
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6RA3P0Ogh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YUTHUR52m
"--Hrk!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUU9C5fFnh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGxMErF2hO
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRdeIAUIZg
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiQZD56YuO
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWItuV8Z5M0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU5HOuF6b3
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZtsVexvPX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoTv1DINZs
"This..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5JzX2CLPI
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2ADE6FmO9
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcWCclEB2r
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3cvl8RDu4
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsxdVvElrx
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsADDMzbZX6
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxo4ydUbsn
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSLmrHJLkb
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPBXMNn0vA
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5nYOaZGbx
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgqfcM1ued
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TSuToZq0a
"--sneaky!"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mdr6A9ayP
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUez7dICnt
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMc64BIBek
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0GyQzcsZ4
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIQ4nz2qXX
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacqqDhluBh
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLalL5bFYQo
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3s34rWFUD
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYb9PdayCl
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVVuS6OG2v
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeltfDvqOQR
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFbkjsXNFs
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG53RWH8JL
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH6vUdTitF
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffr1Tc3sV0
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dCCoufbeW
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mMBSSwwbN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxFJYnIG1u
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qp1Igpti1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QGahth4JT
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbzLIiz75d
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD721KW9Cw8
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaKIsdUVi6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmkNliIxp4
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPsDJiqm5z
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nWS5319kH
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpkXhul5Yh
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6GPR1GKI2
"I win, though–"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLxFaVhEd5
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPnAII7ROq
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyclH05TMw
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPHl3dn6yX
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5nWRoEJ1T
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKX44hNZ0o
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABkG5tVXq2
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5IYrMBv6w
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgS8z67wYd
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxNzYMWjJF
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII6GTfHIec
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI9kmYmtsb
"Can't move your legs?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgBkXHzdln
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOG3PXlG29
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdJ9sRBV8Q
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhthARxTUa
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3Od2Zkupf
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbCrn3WZEt
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINJPcj9YUy
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jvPJYLAUA
"Aren't you going to do something?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXJNzSP0et
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVms4hiY8t
"...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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnES7Jfg1z
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuMFCJTmuV
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rOVBFLdPm
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFJvZtyPWi
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGZNyTdfLF
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT2ONySB6b
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ep2sMYgA8
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHLbbBhaCB
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtdqzyERkS
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjmF7pG0P5
**BOOM**261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvDJrwjKop
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkFmYR2Myc
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls83V87nzA
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AE0FeFd9S
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1P7BpjIb6
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas6U5SwGpi
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhb8BEAYC0K
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpLpFS9fVj
"--?"261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9iAHhe1U5
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NjEMYOpUu
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ko1MnjrqN
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPYIgRh0fN
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5NYJI06VS
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwUoz5kClw
"...Ehh."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QvIymE79a
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdFT94K5a6
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68UCjbbyKy
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYLyNBf4Ok
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmLWOud7F1
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASDc8eGATr
"..."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSBUlpVn7w
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkROlqb8DX
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm8uGcdc9A
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODoWP7cFHL
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CeWTDaLo5
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WUQHkBQuI
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6paV6ITzee
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ6HRJiQE6
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
261Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNAmIMePuK
