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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGggsMAprd
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSH8ocOziX
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jyMY0gOeu
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3Bw35F7Vy
"Kid! Over here!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhMz0p03sb
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1w5JvYT16
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x0nh4o0Cu
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzkGWmRXgh
"Ya ready!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVg6s94JH5
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBcUkFN8DB
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUkjf6n9ak
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5dN1ytV0H
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDJRCwnkfj
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwBGMj4q7v
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 place267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQujF0Dorc2
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99cuDEJa6T
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy4vifkVux
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz34FPk6PM
"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!?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM0gOEEqwA
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUWERLCmiH
YEAH!267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUge4rsx3GE
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzstAfEQOAO
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwW80arcdm
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7rCaVBKse
"Ack!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcx4F5P4AdP
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVVPkDx4y7
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr3EBy6xhB
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta2TQYXfwU
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTjs3VQcrT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xPRbUuBDM
"R-Right!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyQwm3fuDK
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf2eVTa80p
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdItxJnRXZ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB0EtX3njC
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLmclBWVQu
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOO5BIOzS8
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXHhN3iTZh
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF0bW5xGtP
"Crap!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IelTSGRwi
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8JePDiFfQ
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6Epdnuf6e
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL17bJgWHt
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuHSeDKBuv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrF2JeRqKJ
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T7miBwY9s
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7hUWPrrGm
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWbHJKuIJa
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATN3gKledF
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rBk0FSUBc
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb0mKHbBGh
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxZeeQIT6o
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYQrbVtG3t
"L-Lola!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLTjFSZy4B
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPGqQy9kRR
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF3x2dvZ2H
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioJAbTLQDm
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3270wLuHH
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOndj29oZXM
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEjw8Q4B37
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOReaqRxfMP
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uacv0pwfQ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCvSdnkiXc
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fIClU5Cqr
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYBKRXcAl6
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoioGKaYcl
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOspjTmRod
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlxte0gODm
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VJ6YhbXAv
–
–
–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf8b7hy5ex
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BISJMmxLw
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?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsF56SOVjz
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPmr9oxyg5
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nLaRLblDN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHSV5L7GGd
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GTkzVoViV
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfC0oYW0DO
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh1EtmD47e
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66H8QzN8hR
"Do you have something you want to say?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN4wmj1wgj
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm7sfXwkbs
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0tkFQYAR5
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXHCoVKtS2
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF6EnIkGBb
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BriXdtw6w
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vXY6rPing
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbh2uvxhgO
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM3MtI9rSM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AA14K4x3m
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cRwRbSZi6
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZuZC2v8Gd
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUerg0wqi2
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwakTMXhQEj
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed4RcDc17T
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjeu007fKZ
"Call me Anima."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW29gJpR6hT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSW9yc0Tnu
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpquwUCTw9f
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfbmGwQFJJ
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo73qy4Wyv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwI5Kiu2nJ
Then, the Harbinger dashed.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeA6QaC1o8
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxua8E7D7xK
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo52nFZocEs
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfadElnXRl
"Ngh!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5xXuv3i4S
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojsanOCEDT
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–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgk9XwTnMJ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu3QyRjqkw
**THUD**267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCelz3NmZC
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiluKi7ex3
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOFHycz9nC
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaCypDsSoP
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X2N84mqas
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD7bq3oGM8
"--!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v178uGnhB
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk1pBQnSEU
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0puhVkrX2u
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjHd3lAugF
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMui7pouTK
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0ow9B0wwg
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn4Cb0u2wr
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9Keii41xm
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtluKqfDna
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWUHVU04Lc
She had hit a wall.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfGzZcstU5
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNUbzJcUfb
"--!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZyXecKYRV
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAQq5XFV0c
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–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZMtHc5Ocp
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrOpecdKCk
**CLING**267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6BFIJQznq
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73ou5XI9NN
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT4fqiRgEn
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJEv8A8f8q
"Huh. I can't break free."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKautj28OQv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwZV68JXAU
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84xL0wTcaV
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPXlYUji63
"--Huh?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2blCu1RDj
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZU3fB7C3l
"Caught you!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuSfa5qMUl
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qZPgDpgIy
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJdNtoRRnZ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa6QcQjGkM
"You!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZYvebpuov
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIiGnYUMrN
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcV2a8L4mE
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA5FbnpC63
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsprIeSlCi
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D7InzhCM8
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OgFRPoPRw
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZsXoXJrG1
"Hrk!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3XlMasygR
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlElurPVzjD
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcxzBbSHxh
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEGVy0V898
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnROAlyGIL
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafCjiaROnj
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfd09WJUSf
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn6bE65aAG
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxDHjca41R
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouE2oJilgC
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hiRluibaw
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBrchccOEb
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftYOg1cGJX
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAxvqUcQP3
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Cmoha3Qmd
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lr7NuaNvf
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNXK8lMhlr
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUqHEOk6vZ
"...This is irritating."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwfjngBFi4
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte7esbGTlL
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc5Leonobm
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl8bAdNLux
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0MNlvqJJq
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmr93rHs4f
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPtRuxi1LZ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq5RiMh8LI
Giving up became more and more alluring.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBojzXHrIIn
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdDEnCeZaM
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2eh0uUZpS
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxi8Rh5afF
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47o0WhCGmN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKhhtVQGM5
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVFL85R2Dq
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOuTmjXPdR
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS4sluPxIT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrVhMDDlQ9
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy3pu86gAW
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgKVVOMBF8
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ7fn2iOsI
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gczjRBxzb
"...Unless, of course."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMxiu7zJuN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd0cPHDXPr
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb32mNilOSk
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUusgiwibC
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW7H3MgJ56
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jgzOa8bi6
"I don't like what you're planning!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovSQHU1jCN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3Rj2TD1yF
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsKvfsSzna
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezdIpCDtKX
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9H9e6LkoO
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6lYuddCJG
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY37iscNT4
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZJVL0t0tQ
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc9qQ8ZizB
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaP1gK44IQ
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljE8icdBz9
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIlQdQyVmb
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–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjxllSHOPI
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPHUYIw36h
**THUD**267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQl3k76nnL
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY9OaC5f0a
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwzlwf5GHM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyD3PNTr0G
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–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLdVHxsFue
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsMU6pBOD7
"--Hrk!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UESqSk0Na
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi56ovzvgDh
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad26XWZlGw
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroXY7s1Aoh
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxp7qbZw6T
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QkjXGQo9M
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTv7CoH80N
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYChW0ByOm9
"This..."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKEp9IzR0x
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCG3ewPk30
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vBeckAlfE
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuQssd2nbH
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4gy2TdyjW
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q2ODQv582
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9mxk4uNXl
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30NVc3KR4K
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03vwFxCv8A
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHf9xRmHOd
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuzedSNtml
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7gsP83ZhS
"--sneaky!"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKt0RZEMBR
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6l47uWfKC
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh29ixzUhph
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeItyGS4Mqq
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNp05oCDoL
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGkvJdQ3cT
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoCdBJJmwk
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcJ7kWQ2o8
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxh6Oe1EGz
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYBVYM32br
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuFxCZw4hC
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNkYVM33C7
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38dgwng0mc
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRvOgFBRXu
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZqVdY8yaz
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jZu2qvvxr
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXtkoHxhyx
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNehGIVhur5
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZtVaMH4q6
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0GPXPT4cb
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl58Y5KxzD1
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV3s7LL4no
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sMoCA2cLZ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9YNfcY3J9
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97XUAoJG5a
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4dkxBxB6S
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k2yo0nLa5
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJelRVZlzi5
"I win, though–"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tlvYTZOJm
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBdiNyp925
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRyT770mwK
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dcOx6uUbl
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBh8MEWi4a
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcth38sTy3
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHNCeF7z6U
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JPjXIB8ha
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMpbiXl0uE
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y0chJGLY6
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm4nQOy7vq
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ7yq61OxN
"Can't move your legs?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrCk8HA2Uv
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vyuLEx5vv
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwJKjpZ6Gx
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqlA1M1cHt
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1w2VgLhd9
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r12ToQ0So
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeGdGpvCM9
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr90TcADLqt
"Aren't you going to do something?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlVbAmRs8a
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCu1mwe5au
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zje9JzZXT
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVpU0KPy1m
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrhdI8rdck
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSykg1tbqY3
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmo7komiqe
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD7kRDEUvQ
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6lpsKetxu
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3eKPhZ1gx
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–267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNzzAEBtYi
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwXeMXBXdF
**BOOM**267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpssbmSdEss
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRc6tutu5E
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyRgKq5Ovn
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykBmlPRs33
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36VM0aZ8Hs
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOLDCgrHRi
"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."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04L5ZV4tgF
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDWzcLOLAx
"--?"267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaidYei45Oe
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJQK558kyh
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HJRcK0GR5
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDpe23R2R5
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj6cbQ4nh7
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacBcOWgjbC
"...Ehh."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYR9eqXrrN
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan2tsXBnkt
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5I7aah7eM
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2naPpNc50
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPV4OPuKxs
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsjWkcscdn
"..."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pmGVgY1oi
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU15loONUm
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NPxHF4JbZ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJw4YzdhNI
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqM1Fnh6CQ
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuatQPvqvp
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.267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQRqgn754m
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbJV36tRjA
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
267Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG3xni2SGh
