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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K5TbW0124
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OUqaqh8tX
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"Kid! Over here!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTvuHhaSGN
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhnhp7cDTo
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"Ya ready!?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD65HvASnd
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"Don't ask! Let's just go!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ4VwuhHel
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejKI2DfQjL
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo0gdKq8i2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQhZS4LB1y
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 place218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dKvlMkVTH
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpHzV66yk1
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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!?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuQT7p71Li
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YEAH!218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V1ATTpRgr
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRBP320Qq4
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"Ack!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCCzJU2AhW
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I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4k5tsBbrE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmQU49Dpm6
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvfD58zQ8s
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYoUmIlRcf
"R-Right!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDvgnxaQmZ
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMatQAG9b0I
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"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BpQXV5sBm
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkySQraaIg
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHUUnEYgc1
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"Crap!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTSG8BO4Pg
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2ZyD8U9Nn
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However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmvR0OpVq8
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WLmhS89ml
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSB881rTlv
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However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dzdua1OKa
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"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgyNX80dCF
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"L-Lola!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2luoN5l8Z
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That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSmkEYvgdx
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"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uzbpWnLEb
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZT22bhW88
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdOyxNcEab
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBL4UAideP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhEk28Copw
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZAOInAjSn
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60aqWLaOqx
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmybiyuxDC
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–
–
–218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhObT44ggbG
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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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFdCWBprwp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS4dazGJlO
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJbbE6z0xZ
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w2UrbcixL
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmWW3G8sWh
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"Do you have something you want to say?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL1xHwkxET
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIipDU8f3Yf
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JOwUslmYQ
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"Oh, please. You should already know my name."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWjJKcqZMZ
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"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGJ2sCw3Mh
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEzpiUg8Xh
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTc9O1zPbc
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"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAGrh3FpsY
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmwkrEC94V
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJo7sIRzWp
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"Call me Anima."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26crymi2HN
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wgwp577gw
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcsYSqTi1N
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfo6xgtJXL
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e2Ym2u838
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"Ngh!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5TwNO7d8M
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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–218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM1MIzdUQ2
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**THUD**218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKvHBNoRcC
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcokbmRTG5d
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD1JmPQdIc
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"--!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9Qu6CIAFC
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGko3JM4Kte
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Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi0V8hRUfY
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMKRzOsCBu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegHqAkwlua
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWM5eTqE6a
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She had hit a wall.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNmx8pelow
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"--!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ457QzzI0B
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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–218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRJInemfdF
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**CLING**218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg2bB97BX0
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JseQIoaMM
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"Huh. I can't break free."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U43jed6WI
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgL1VWZIvi
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"--Huh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bcuyvy944
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"Caught you!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hdjxumf8m
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rswwYNWu7
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHfpXsafVz
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"You!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1hK79pDz7
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0RkZJB78M
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyZEbUXOD3
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyv98MovrA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMW10HhiyW
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaGpqiZJ0z
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"Hrk!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK01osQ70a
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06WYgmwXSf
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQfAiKdnc9
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn2rz2IQoF
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HxlJq8aiJ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm49ZkUd5E
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qTC2AsuVV
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvodeNCG6M
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHK9BoyFtv
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK0CEBWgvW
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn3F2ARKiM
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMczb3MKHp
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bAbw97s7A
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Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJyUaKtnq0
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"...This is irritating."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzaSlrdlIT
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvN8MkbakX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19k3AVbOba
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHAS2rHA00
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UZC5Dwrmj
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMyjmvgvsB
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Giving up became more and more alluring.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESNUOuLC7j
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFTeYi4eY4
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CMy8R6XBx
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorHyBQUtmM
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRwgRSTjnA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtPvVSRCdU
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjDUj39HAh
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmd2vLF9H9
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCTaCfIpBx
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatDGIJ04K6
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidzeUJWZsB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKTxIvHff0
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPDupIQiel
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMemFmOhGx
"...Unless, of course."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Pcbmk3XKx
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpIcn9Hx1T
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiV3CyUQv9
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleqsIm7rQI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUvgDOniFC
"I don't like what you're planning!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ADpCt7OKg
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6rqI9hmz0
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpfabK33BS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgURyQgOXhd
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pOR3PUzlI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnnXlQDCW6
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaVhbvCNiO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUyeQrdFlz
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXejmilbcl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiu2By3SAV
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmPRQm8BRy
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QRPn9f3zL
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–218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb1yyjNJ3F
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkjTPInBL2
**THUD**218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAwFpKCe4q
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡturvloE9lL
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qsfcumfvB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwlyNRA87f
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–218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HZDCKpko7
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkARNM3MDOS
"--Hrk!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDJD7eR8hH
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ295Nuyqow
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydgxg6HlvN
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBeLABL8Vd
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JVuFDHwEC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsflgDCAsXr
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVQeIt4qDp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSjkVS6AaI
"This..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZOeamTxmS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWispGiC3Ry
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMYdZ1Oqpe
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJfipo0ICr
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gGVJlmlGk
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDftOxpZ7d
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcZrDcitC2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7RmLEdeJG
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55KOrIaZLS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DNhGoCOxc
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c2eYN0Xwk
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs8vHmCh4c
"--sneaky!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrHGPgr5w1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymb6rAS1CZ
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgwRK0BQVf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRNZAtkwkY
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaPom8Er5w
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizg5rGBOjh
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUykYqBl36w
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnvipi9Q5Q
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EHkbIbTXi
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZfcVYlg4m
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8L9fc7YMw
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7q44JRI5d
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIo36K5Q2z
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJab5juS5T9
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWFQvDJBaq
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ810IdJ2fOB
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAt1t8D6Ob
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD48dVJTyW
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF6tEAJgx5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZM0moQ2xX
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfp31ab490
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEy7Vlvocn
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuMbacqR6x
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqXJAunfcA
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmsMlMup7R
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55z5ffu407
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZZ4e1x1TB
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"I win, though–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkMDjsz1Ix
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji3TpVx277
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9YAG0STka
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCY25efwEi
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwV4uyVRLT
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUImi2g0MO
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDUBw4BZRq
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI8fctKsE1
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzx7aTqYOR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6z4YDWBWV
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCquBLDxe8A
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO4Y83RAbW
"Can't move your legs?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPq9pQKMoi
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc8pBOwRcr
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrN9CXUJHz
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz45jOKmOF
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZexFqdwgM5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6g6YPBxQ2
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxJN9fDZct
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H9GMwdTTB
"Aren't you going to do something?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGeK5RPkt0
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9GqgF10kj
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3byO3VQbsY
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwis9JguPF7
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYNjr5Ni4O
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP8PmBzZsW
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnr9zWUkRz
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CZ01RUZMY
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS8KqZIXuW
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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–218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqBKnfJMCq
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfulG4UprRu
**BOOM**218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGZ7EiBkd5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJZhtbCeky
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51Zvv86W5K
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZE3EY2wbm
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLfJmNpIYO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iOq00Imk9
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng69RCeveC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiGjAJ7vVG
"--?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13em9yalJh
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkppG8Cbjzm
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ1jAFWnUB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJgKLrRAcl
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYyDGI2RRO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtwlDp2iY1
"...Ehh."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M1Z1ccoFT
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3gbtSruM0
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb7eOuAE4X
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH5fXDdTD0
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwtzeuQBPu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuSfodOqxW
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffcSMQ4YV9
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE2CZva8bo
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PjrIILTRZ
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNExgUQs1a
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnTkNzcvhU
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSljZh9ZgW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhwzg62iRl
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov2GpvtWeV
