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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxNmQqYgXg
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKA4UT0oux
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6nXKePmzJ
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoPnu9ZfD3
"Kid! Over here!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjPOoryfIU
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNaZ3Hs7Gp
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsFBRccTQ0
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zQWmAzKNu
"Ya ready!?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyprNvPvCTX
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xio5D5UnN
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkBAKt0Kmi
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcrLfkyShD
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4xy3xVk03
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzzggahrr8
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 place294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff1TUETRKs
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiTYpf0ATc
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJmDKrd9rU
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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!?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQh6WPiZr6
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUsN1VKUXX
YEAH!294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwRrXHGPQX
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JXfHpD1Yk
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihruczieqG
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMjfsiyZye
"Ack!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjH0wgVYwQ
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe6vB1HHHy
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiI1xosL7H
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8bOQ82at7
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgLoLCeKEA
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIPqxzD3hN
"R-Right!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NXkrkk7oT
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bcc4mhNRl
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoD0ipKqfp
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wZr9b1wY1
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDpuV11zAs
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP03ZoV5aHZ
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSDzVVFvFj
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPm7qsuBue
"Crap!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAkUxayrTK
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvJPQZAYjz
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQzjHm91ey
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgN1RF4AYH
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SelRHg74h
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4geqWFWQV
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWRy9txbrl
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KYFT6FMiZ
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA00vvuJ9F
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCxHar4fZk
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIRI1Aq73p
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eVXHxyYAn
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMczgae3V1
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoDx84yQrc
"L-Lola!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xs7OMVzrX
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmefRoz7Iv6
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwArdxTMjv
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A11Mkk3v5
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSl0JXN4VF
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQM1iCAUCF
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr965znyeIs
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V3VPHurF7
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uf0rH0qPv
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ru3RRcuyB
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUBiMu3Hun
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE8A3fu3MA
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJthIeYK6ea
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSCNyhEv2v
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iVMx71txj
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–
–
–294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcrCPQxUFb
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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?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSTeaanUQn
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy7I0nsKxb
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6q1I95H4L
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecOzk4uG04
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBvKDw8NOT
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCIqejqeQv
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJwxnMX9fX
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqu3WoxNh1
"Do you have something you want to say?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdVkLdRHuT
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc8v5xL0DM
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7SqHy9f2G
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOYdWfYiq0
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iNPzYQOMd
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XGwPv4aPO
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKTNtlXgvD
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7jF7pW3uH
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLXF7U9R2o
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilXyJakFwt
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDWyKXt7vJ
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymOvGtezzm
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1QTDL83rT
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7iPIqWzOC
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlN7CCFgbG
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6XkfcYTv6
"Call me Anima."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeWKw0v8qW
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJEzZ7Xpll
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLvVtBSHLx
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ6QuilczO
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRdMjLeh3g
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJoQLAGnvx
Then, the Harbinger dashed.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7MkFMCOvA
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVBTGDs7br
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDmnRBH2P2
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RYPjxMxPc
"Ngh!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQATb2AsM45
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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–294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeACSUgvx3w
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0LQh3XRvC
**THUD**294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi82xHpVoj
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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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS8Oj6W8OV
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc3lGFsL46
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYeTE0XXLH
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqq6pp2RBL
"--!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbUrUZ6RwM
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuozoPseF5
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidbHzkfsR5
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoRx0YoEPm
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCZgWMvtDO
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA9esFqRg0
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7RsZJqS8V
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG66iAS79nY
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8EVEdmOmf
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ez8JwLuHe
She had hit a wall.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbbU5lzuU9
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajCKia5D6M
"--!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxloKYo9VBe
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRRhhiuz5Q
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–294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uOXtWd7f7
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xjo8WNNlY
**CLING**294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSq9OsJYD7
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFDdbmzmqi
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qpOiuMnmm
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdfvcmNpDF
"Huh. I can't break free."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol2CkTAHPZ
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm6dyn8pNx
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsGRWf6urG
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9fANv5uU4
"--Huh?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Me0JE3Wl
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"Caught you!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60zJr6bptm
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JSquJ8G4Y
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqPHwEMa6f
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qVjjlk6OQ
"You!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hS3Ia9uEi
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDAHc8J7Y4
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd62PcyJR0E
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWoqpxaPCo
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawdT3d6tPP
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbBuThObBk
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaVjMnaST0
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbqcF8gJeV
"Hrk!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6q9Nggqs2
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoke0IZt8Ug
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqz3dL6iqN
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSU6oHIIxB
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pwgdQbAuj
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuX0Q8U0Q0
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCyx1mzj8h
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIxqpShhxA
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmOure59P0
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyu1Uf4ktL
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2Ij5IlhDC
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JYUiaicpt
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KWhKxJ2J5
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpD3PwUH8x
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2huXyOBEc
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O2NfeCiHg
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKtpZvtDj0
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"...This is irritating."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTceVixmigu
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHOCWlbUfN
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQkLdJ2QN0
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmLOcaq8Gg
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56m0HUETH6
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7WlPnS1dt
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56pjFN5TU1
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Giving up became more and more alluring.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mNr8YlVF4
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN30qacP6eB
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53zJRjACZB
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI5C2ItxZK
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OgV90cYlI
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECmnFxrjv9
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y732zty8g
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlCApYeh0k
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtWodgji8t
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH98zB9xFcc
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87wj4QWB3m
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSehYyqynXo
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRlWbQbjS9
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"...Unless, of course."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FR4fv7lHU
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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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5ZOoAVyOW
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSehiuFLmtP
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH4kIkZO8E
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"I don't like what you're planning!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvXPDFGcLe
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObqdrCMBQ9
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyN3QBBbZD
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGp0xzbQsf
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1och0rDQ3P
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WzZ6uNWiT
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHmofJ1wCK
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9NB1SZ54n
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZUJb9eIq4
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo4PdZRDCc
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfUYpmr6KY
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVcCWs4qlI
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–294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFbbnoGxK2
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**THUD**294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lxjPqe5WE
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But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQRgtnvx68
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdERCK7j6q5
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–294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkGQphVuLa
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvAm7mC4TF
"--Hrk!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0OsdrYqq6
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–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgoZML9RqC
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7RBElCiMl
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykMoZp3UR7
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlULmauCvJt
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvObhldB5I
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuqbPU7RGK
"This..."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d6jSF1U1K
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She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUijaVlovtn
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYTQjC7SGK
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJdhidgvfK
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3U8kAIIo9
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED8jCHWaBq
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7riZ1mL9bH
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqYeTkvOA1
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ng08BnNWJ
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtUvmO8wla
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e5KCBV7Lr
"--sneaky!"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnmnFwuf2s
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoJyrLGgTC
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEOmtefufc
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaJSTfvMPB
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CcQqZlo6D
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMskdw5rTR
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTlIIjR2fW
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtygJGyBHa
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4Z89zQWWu
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqY3DHtZlM
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNYLm28OC1
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiDPXhwUuK
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8fMakg6Bd
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HTI9hS6V5
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLxi6tD8ls
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvtTYj9WSf
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ689taN1HBZ
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinwkOehXTM
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwvL8BQYeY
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFn2MHCKXz
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYab0OvXbhF
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohbYgbf59I
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpx6zdEibw
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjG3z3WHqC
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrYOXOv8ML
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYwS0XhS7M
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN99m1BMGk0
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"I win, though–"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhFnXNb4ss
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Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyloVBw21b
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAUIadtd3F
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsI6qKac8b
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0r6sl4ijp
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH6WCYTQpy
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUuG1zgqyt
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sIt5EXPTi
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpFVl8tMaj
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX67cMiPoX8
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVs1nXLHqj
"Can't move your legs?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvgNFo7FDI
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssuvaXtrQY
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNr8TxFCVr
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFpLVUGpeg
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T16OdyCqq
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEs5HsdPmW
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyJUfIYW3u
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlz8Xt4YVi
"Aren't you going to do something?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTsQiOpXHR
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSSlrgEU5T
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nM7jYJ4V2
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvjdSRUWV2
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvFik2GBU2
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVyvbpCtH3
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSHAcE5dFC
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMmBV00SIA
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCfWOmW3OL
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–294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATm5wJ0JCV
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTa1KSSsdL
**BOOM**294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxxWAzs6hi
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPhrVOBwsj
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBe75AU51X
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDIc0jKCr4
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrDfBTrmJs
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmamEJqWDa
"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."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVhF8mf4jN
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgSWoeashg
"--?"294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVE61ZuVfP
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlj89EsxX8
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfnrsv93Mz
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N8pztqogt
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH9Ne2T6Mt
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKqIhjqkkK
"...Ehh."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaTnFzuWmV
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She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPlPfeuZl1
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuGvGTvhcC
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe41ep2v96O
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg3uqF7Idz
"..."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPfSbfgH8U
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAjMv29YAz
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1CSUg7R9O
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnD2H7jdB9
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtrOlExdL5
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.294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsEVSwhDHh
294Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqXiqqJqIB
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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