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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIanpz6EmL3
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWN7XvEE4ql
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhbNK7gQl2
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGIedAPUJo
"Kid! Over here!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINYROQr9MX
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClEA8ovdX0
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk87bWHkLHK
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmjOIFKBjB
"Ya ready!?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ3naNExL0
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby0JQkmfO4
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UzmPAUtco
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v4ENFA00K
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AXq1pi6Wb
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32LuQIzSgf
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 place216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA4Q2DgG4o
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2RwRPIsRA
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWhNxMn360
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeO5jvjqcu
"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!?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ldtjAyhjC
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsopQv2k4g
YEAH!216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4dtTgNdrf
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYrgIfJZct
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JbmNSfo9w
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4FHbPk9mj
"Ack!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPdF5g3Iua
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIBESOcMbd
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeacUDQIWXL
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AOAPEOpP2
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nNAO7snLd
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzyUkSRRP9
"R-Right!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQLdKyMSKJ
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7s12MFAau
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR576oqSpg
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ycz00Qjsl
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcCYAk3msz
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLldw7wxnlx
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HBuaxO0UU
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OtYlodCXQ
"Crap!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bokLfy4iE
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZS9da8NXh
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RDeq6ddJZ
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6svl6ZSCm
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YpiaIheex
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5hXefrACG
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJnYLEfKK0
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdqIkGZ3G5
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KmO6gfAPN
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW1jQC2BPj
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0KrfTlNW7
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9qeYKWsUK
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboTdDs6gIt
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsHzXcPSoo
"L-Lola!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhAO7nr1dD
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr47394wCU
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xklDqlMm6
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaGUYeyPA7
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qOOp6f6Yg
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oL8qfftUl
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXeKJ48sBa
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIRxm6KZAX
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzerDQZgMak
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX8g86MSOQ
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qKD7SVXM7
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEDAJMXR55
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Hu2FZeKdd
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHTgRco4tr
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYQV7hlcnR
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKLToSey5c
–
–
–216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8PEdcbfpq
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZieho1J8Q
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?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWz3U06D63
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RRsgnLu8B
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKvJHxKV7S
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta2pgKmjo3
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vVwQZmWf5
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiXCYLF4Oi
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcpceEqf4y
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBfi5SSXnM
"Do you have something you want to say?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdpRkQJitp
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxODSRf1Cp4
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PvG10pFXp
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVjz2W8enM
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrkGnGB2xO
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPOXCxzsWy
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUNKNQmwLh
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDQg0kwYrA
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxabyM69Mt
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKVaPKkiuo
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecttGrjakW
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLb5RUNZqa
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0dYgtDVJu
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDAIBSvvrw
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvgl7sXeO9
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXX9EVNeUt
"Call me Anima."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTQ2qwx1TV
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlt7747QLq
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy31CKrOebt
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7LaEqqkd3
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupLhQ9zCZv
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq57cSNqS9f
Then, the Harbinger dashed.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawXsFUZUL6
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeXwhKlIQq
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiie6pLIc0
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOORso49du3
"Ngh!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL7PgubZbQ
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpzugWjDyW
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–216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeGPKic1Qu
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfnjYkl5Mv
**THUD**216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU9Khdomv8
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqIht4s05l
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIdpBwJEkc
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMgRkjBrYg
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAFcSybWpL
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3mX4OWipR
"--!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwza6FkLLok
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXxeV0qv2z
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX83mRi6jTM
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkm4XKUbob
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa502REmQj
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5NU1gVYFx
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP5HyapfxY
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtk2PQKSqn
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqrOCOPgZt
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9GolWpT9x
She had hit a wall.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikhlSZIKtg
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwkME3itIb
"--!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ8syT147i
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88YSxAbYeh
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–216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9o0zl9R6a
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBFLcCZ7Oe
**CLING**216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0WtPJZ5dM
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1fd5BpJiS
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVdKfI3DcU
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBktocPYPzD
"Huh. I can't break free."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCikmrJICho
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCQIquguZU
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNTh64sr7w
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD56WGCjS8
"--Huh?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSGTTdEvED
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AvNYfg1ZD
"Caught you!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj6zo5GAnQ
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBb8ASpEHU
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZMiAQuEWE
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxDPBnfCY9
"You!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5kf79r3F1
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4IRtHd1ql
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTJ749oz7V
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOp7qCssv6
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINDKo47pR7
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWfAYFkS2C
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXqPNs4nAL
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwFazuROlX
"Hrk!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyINIXcKFv6
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc9vh1h2s8
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAl2ddj0vL
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLubhyWkJ2
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3Cu1otobp
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqdAmOnGi4
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjiCqbxWRn
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ326dlEZz20
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcetX0ipuB
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWGaJGUM6U
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxa38soYge
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhFJHoRjBh
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmpVuGnpCM
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9jaMna5a4
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGx6IU27yS
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFtdN3LXDs
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQezmKtKFk2
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrjksFQnAV
"...This is irritating."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL70bosWmv
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN130NmcD1
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFJEnaWJXD
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkBxtFRuxI
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8iTnwPol9
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cGTM6Bl1j
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVV4nBTIor
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbKEsCElsT
Giving up became more and more alluring.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g38uptHK7
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHZsxUsv8x
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYkh7pp716
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx72U4YfyNr
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QZX9K0hWi
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V6XTm7HTs
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNMSFc7aQi
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIARTSQscaT
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3na1B2Ypp
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq4JZFOieI
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnMfdiM1bM
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLgED1hG0k
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyg83dhkl6
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQpHhNn8yc
"...Unless, of course."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1tCNmYy0O
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6u3lGsdVU
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6ec1Vl9ii
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKHaibcpD7
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyCzCMu7IS
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VymfmcaTN
"I don't like what you're planning!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVQyK8LpP6
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8kuRE0ZGq
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sknbaJXf2
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDdGQZvceW
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBllEM1b73o
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fsoOsB55R
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo0D4Z7mov
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUZ0OD6GBA
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsFlIF1o2e
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINJAWEFVj4
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKGJGkO16c
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5m9LHUJJC
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–216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3ivFvr3Sq
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvaLcro7D0
**THUD**216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZZN8QC5MK
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5jBplAIpM
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PmJFHPDfd
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUXnBST6aR
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–216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNpirkNA1D
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZnYXUq04G
"--Hrk!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUHYOisK4G
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqITnXpCkmV
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw64NSYIZg
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZkmyNh3Un
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU2xoHZ8jc
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBPP4AghKn
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsGD4KolIY
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso1fXVnKvZ
"This..."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYS9q3YZu7
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWNwcpAFNU
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBKOLHWO6X
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXn0vQHw0O
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsR5fGVgMo
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzHLVoHPyG
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAyjZVbvks
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqRAwgq9T7
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4Hb09HolR
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtbKBJDzZZ
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E5hSKuaUe
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMi1zcYZoe
"--sneaky!"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTchP4rkcS
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJwzVHiR4R
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCH4iP7iYR
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7CmXmV7L6
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjXbf2MK9x
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKh33qecRg
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsV0r8lSXV
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC84B7SLzpT
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSGvTLjAMW
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrAPvGnor9
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEkMnVRTmI
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCL9xcePx3
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eyBaqe1Ov
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXdWn9qC03
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtDNuSBMu0
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5wPZnT2Kj
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVcfhMJE9m
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OnQlAba56
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqhcZwpd4q
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8otkeibPSl
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtT1wTblyf
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEucgD8appB
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9LjodepNr
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HrAx8nKbj
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnSNQFipzY
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjYXcLaowK
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gtb8CrGIe
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgDjGKBCM3
"I win, though–"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFOOe2aPw5
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJWJOOVgfs
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXAR5awRez
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQywOwsBP9h
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3xH2xArWE
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2bt3dDlrb
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7W6My1B6t
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vDRFenltz
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf6FQz0MDy
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHVJvpNWpB
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwIyliSGNX
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG7nAEq9UZ
"Can't move your legs?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XxR9QpBxt
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfbEvUjlHY
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rrf3OgU2g
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJqwmsIXPh
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbYUZCcTge
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCDaL2ztNU
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSnuRuUL1S
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSLBJWXnut
"Aren't you going to do something?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR6mjpZZsJ
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK29cDXNQVg
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge38onSksb
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO0ZIpv4of
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKQc6zwEZS
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0zg6QJg8Z
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNttz3ofotR
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPRa0zocXo
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGGqIlP8TR
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cEUnc2Gk4
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–216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRC5eZxA2wa
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs5OEK8TqL
**BOOM**216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeAjkl69He
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdfh5rWvn4
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XZsNLtt2k
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9WjB9jmIi
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x6Yt6mVbs
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r23MJo2vo
"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."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspr2VHxnkS
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX7pn7PZjS
"--?"216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGUwxPuGEb
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzyWkD9cPq
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaYTLlbTa4
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PVKR9zSAI
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLaEHScwsQ
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2m95QIDwe
"...Ehh."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh84EHxDlm0
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ohpud1J85
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnijzlJajp9
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wMYIVWjI7
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgsbTJbJQV
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK9DXfsp7t
"..."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4ZU3KTtCv
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtqOrtLXqz
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTkVzbu0Uy
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTncNyhpHh
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AxHTfjEB8
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuR3Pl5Nx0
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.216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEK2CFY4cp
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sPlTh2zRG
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjgykQWxmb
