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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9kK8XavsA
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoNvDOP3dv
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTinoeINmM
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHipZZMen27
"Kid! Over here!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvqk3lB9ae
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9BTgBf1bH
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyj6K1xDdJ
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpZRlgXVjl
"Ya ready!?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MQHz586Nk
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKWjq5XmYK
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziTdHgreKL
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAbiL64aPX
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gB5ZjHCiZ
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJUc0gkIYW
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 place232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2HsW6cu1c
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpu7gm74kg
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9UlMhdFrv
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uexzfFkpx
"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!?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExs2MUREsN
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobY0FCGrhx
YEAH!232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAkQG0Fofa
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD6kLqEjsm
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T9j2c7yKn
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepzgMX1QUm
"Ack!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJEVQxwvws
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6TYAjrxAL
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU1dftoug4
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht7FZqe2Q9
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A8HaFiVXI
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hI1IHmsrj
"R-Right!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zuWKQNUxi
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMks25ASoqm
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXVAWX9w6i
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHcbhq8EOr
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGyYO9BKXk
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwAvHvabGn
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWBjM6fD2y
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJKalFJNSu
"Crap!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnODiBbDrLJ
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfygSwiHjb
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqbVLhNgQY
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbis5Bcjq4O
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYp08Uf7o0
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRgTpVYuxW
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWVCqAVscC
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8IeFwJwmX
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs3FNqIOJt
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrnlnDMpmb
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31t9j1h8p6
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aLWB3fvVW
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzJmU8OoJR
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY7bb7H5e0
"L-Lola!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHJ8EBBsPL
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4ObDReYnz
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofKCDMiqC6
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaA6MfRmZg
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2DJupVkrf
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOftzwAl2kb
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIaWhLZM5U
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCRFWOylMl
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2oup185if
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6dxWJDA0A
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DSBwWeazX
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShkkVZEQHH
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIKcngrzTe
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcMuuVjHTy
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYSI7marvf
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkocWw4idzb
–
–
–232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86fjkyPvQ1
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUyUgfaUyI
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?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSQjXkNlVT
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfxbMmis0v
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPBS0JYll6
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47rvka9biv
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSiJTgLgfe
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsZHEvYbIb
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoIdb4abU5
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN8ofUn5zr
"Do you have something you want to say?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadUPLHT8n4
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz2tSOZxJG
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxywHMozZQw
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicqkr7WFFb
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLzM4qyvyU
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstL72eUH1i
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nCM3FFTvD
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcmKOUIiw1
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOwcJaSudY
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDIHqeg9Jn
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwARitT6Ky4
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub008REDkN
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXjutmWFeg
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG9O3U6TID
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7flX8ME2b
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J9fGBZ1ri
"Call me Anima."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVvMd3uoQx
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibTCg6ozEo
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5UoM7dkRl
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9Bhw90mcf
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bG9x0PPKR
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufDqTsULgi
Then, the Harbinger dashed.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIDYi5OBFb
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3pwmQlZ2b
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2M7kCyHgs
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mVcc9Ufu7
"Ngh!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAYHaL2Jo0
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFtgp6phSi
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–232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1mRBzeZHj
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrhQZHUQcY
**THUD**232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucP8lr4VBN
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN6tJ0qLyI
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMXcrMWNRO
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNV6cWfIOC
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡun78sPwICg
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxbmB1eO0i
"--!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQJssGGtDI
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK4hPRlufX
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9wCLsOjAg
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BiNGn78Ew
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLobUGRx1k
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8U5mC3U5S
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8yVwuEIuc
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL0q7Tk7BT
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg7XBumk4a
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2gYmcjPSQ
She had hit a wall.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNEq7v0K0a
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc5wjzMHkG
"--!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvoi4ppK9y
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn4jSyJYZa
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–232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPAWd6zzY3
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lkl96IqCn
**CLING**232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAPyMedP7K
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUxKXeX6wP
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cVaQpGAVS
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2P4ROdGP9
"Huh. I can't break free."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpPnpSWeDC
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOrOhiRyz7
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFKgAzyQjF
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOLiPeSsLI
"--Huh?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUglOeFMJq
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xLEEbDFv2
"Caught you!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavKjuGHgxt
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HNgH5YMpU
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2f2LZGans
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq29F3aPlKT
"You!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzVLtw0y7q
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HheXtdCu7
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCozohNuD2
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmtRx89gnV
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSdV0OzjZs
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4IEbSwhOm
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydE1tpfIXa
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJejRJzYjYZ
"Hrk!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0KNUOleji
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgJVmpPNhs
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDU9hCc8tO
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrSLIxPnZU
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbeeRTrjYn
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLPTmFLSAf
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4pjZF6TgS
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uyQudik7v
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbzGqnq2J6
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalNlaVwaFc
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKmI6U9msw
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84TNm6lzP5
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRWbombWlN
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkoeWqL6ME
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgh2hKMAVz
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgpuLsfqpN
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrovWaQaNsh
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeWbXcFFtB
"...This is irritating."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ3HEptN6z
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccs5feASSR
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlRCDzZJMB
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu8slzTdYg
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlRQN82pU7
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn2qTrEBP6
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFvQ1lwd3f
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4sEbxu5jG
Giving up became more and more alluring.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xZh7khZeG
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d55xuKOfc
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVp34gg1Z0
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpv9oiXprR
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRddtFnk0x
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qgcwcDizf
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2U8tPZZdv
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TnQrJKmx2
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRRniwLqHc
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q8EoBXL4Z
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVr6hPuDqB
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrLbGSEhtF
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC844xFnjpn
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH88mvlhG04
"...Unless, of course."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy6SS5eKzO
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2QqfL1dWY
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP1QtbbHVo
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIncxXeH12
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK8bKKBUv5
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGVtiFAqIa
"I don't like what you're planning!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjXIf3hSAd
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuMMBmdvsr
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KEOETTH1x
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCSMl5RNhY
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dXtF08f2Q
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFPAzzIT7h
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUFCjFSmKi
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpM7FoVigD
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcrNPcSowF
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTFnwemAMZ
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowgMOmAGvM
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo7KA3Hkhw
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–232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybF7N2E0Tm
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV3BnNE49A
**THUD**232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49fJisCZUn
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmLfiENhDU
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2Q8rGcstQ
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D8LccZTG9
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–232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KksOJmP2a
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPjfEzrHwT
"--Hrk!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLQkRRSeEA
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB3jCzbTQA
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4SHWFy7Zb
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgodgU9Ys9
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEPEcaUVhR
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJcN8xafD0
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo9uXBrxbm
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWQsWEC1Li
"This..."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENkyC7YECw
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZddvkRofeV
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGtQRauKRE
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9cP2XFeQg
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXscpUyb1Ch
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW443h3SRuG
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOal0Pxaqy
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s125UlPNp
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk0arYqGIM
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE4ppZSHkP
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZ1tsuy8YD
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvdqgOb5CN
"--sneaky!"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsvTG5nkjG
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznF54fmL0x
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PN6mFzcWE
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ47ESO1tqH
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhO8hG40p9
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwUZyK5IeF
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifbqXNyaSF
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLuX56Ggbt
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2lEDYEqmI
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x5Oi4GnnO
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR2qQpssmg
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uMqHHotKl
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ3SUYAf6Z
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwzmbk1Mp3
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxwpnkMB2f
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl8dmOfTNa
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMeUxyMwJF
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEEn40BvnG
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzISB6ePgKR
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Fhjy19baU
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTBc6fSsg0
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QqeMRwy8W
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQarXmPOrm
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDwajzMoK6
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghdTQmU08z
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalB8LXypvC
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r00yrLQsh
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD66mfsn7e
"I win, though–"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYp4ZYZQXZ
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1N1Vw41JN
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTs0XYQS6I
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7mlzLXHXc
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB7svbY6cG
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa91i2BLLlu
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYqdNavkJc
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2a7Ionaer
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIBfYZx1uC
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H25hhbver
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ9U8adAEx
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbN4x89ufq
"Can't move your legs?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDj6XL28JB
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkgtY4TZvx
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dXwxeNxNz
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy4CEmywBZ
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yC0z3aN63
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQhUG9MP5j
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCNI9L0ggK
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDwsp59veJ
"Aren't you going to do something?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM40CSEsUv
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsS1qUSMvs
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom6o4cOKu9
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4rYOPD0Nu
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUhZNoxPOV
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ5Bawv02d
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqlqzNSSPG
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzvIzn4Ji5
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQXtS4AWov
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlvFkn5kot
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–232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNkix2bBXR
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiYJ1YEKaY
**BOOM**232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnMHOtm8Cn
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3juZ8WH55X
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IekMrjiMj
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGIWfbNoRb
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFIPaAcYFF
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfIISeekyI
"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."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2S2IFJh1m
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9pl4hEizm
"--?"232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9eivGeHHJ
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiftsnCLYN
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNMltLTtL9
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6NJNPjKMB
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36BmDfRgi5
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3Iwda8iZX
"...Ehh."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fvfQPjQnC
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU72wNhTB1W
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqo3z0hapV
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaPA1L7d1r
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FbXQsfmkR
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZiZC1VGKd
"..."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cVcqq5v04
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOExH4Vmq5Z
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHmGIzIniy
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02J6tXCLpK
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadihcceuVb
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjclM6uPggD
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.232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzYy8eYhdf
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ6R6RBR35
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
232Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQektMTuuIN
