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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpisKoUyCh
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUMav2cI1g
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaUuT1JW6S
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IRlEddbxy
"Kid! Over here!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6FVkJ6Vmx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl3fI1pvPo
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcciSvffrPG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilNTt9aMFn
"Ya ready!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54O2hinud1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4KXWYS7mH
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GJKitYpUW
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHyjUVNTDX
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1rTqx8LIQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YS8NNIiNV
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 place231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr5PxATDZ1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYxOk6sbvl
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvvJkhpgog
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FWszio5uN
"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!?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsR6KFaHmr
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYWKdRR1XA
YEAH!231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5X7Vy0WQb
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRAc47Ueql
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH1aAqmRes
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgiA81zIQy
"Ack!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK9ioWAc5i
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxd3k7PAd7
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMBPRUno2m
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tZilRudOA
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNV2geZtvKu
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKUPClBOtk
"R-Right!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2niB35fV5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xNmPX6TjS
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZV59EYTfy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdU6ia5f0f
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsXS0ybB0L
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZREDwPIzl
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2iRl2qhU6
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxn7aMX9Lu
"Crap!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNGUHScBjD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDLyyxxmlm
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7c3vo1wcr
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8vyUlI5hf
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7Uphk8lJI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbXa4YUmHH
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVZSHx9gb2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIPwjO1S8t
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Jf7VX25h
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmDJkiBZeG
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBHn5N4EJQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDJLhIeVoV
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFPUIm1cDE
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUJbxDqBW2
"L-Lola!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiMUhqhhQX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUQDO68XCa
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajKs8S3IwQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUo5qigFFX
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7sCGXR2EP
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5lNU2ZMxX
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbtydcrN9P
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8njSAmKri
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHBHMpRdzb
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSVYRlE4q6
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslht94l8rV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFAHf5BFUn
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLn1XUzXeo
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoXU3sswoF
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB80r9PihDQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRCxCEyzDT
–
–
–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vDJ5VkPAj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFb722o05h
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?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtZPe7qlid
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pcPzWU1AE
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9INFWwmEJh
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDza5ZZTxQg
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79IeyzDRxG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W1odRoIbt
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgThIzwVjqO
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8YCikgQ9V
"Do you have something you want to say?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN1TW9sKKa
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtyQDh6xJk
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGQcS6Tsfk
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj9Hzz9U74
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g5Fm4bD7U
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMXbzpZm7T
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHDKz4k82m
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtnjNQ1gg8
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvfMpeQeff
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyz19fihdl
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfhhqNcpSo
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJqoKuZFxQ
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgSVWYXPHY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfmWlfk7gU
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zluI0MUct
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKYtZBFKn5
"Call me Anima."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fTJBBL9RD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rv2Bzj5u5
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn2DPbDsls
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jmIPu694z
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmSyWjzJp4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP5XEQ01O8
Then, the Harbinger dashed.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmzbkgMo9S
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2VqsklxzA
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7AYzzSbyd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGlf61mevh
"Ngh!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH4SlprPqZ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL7DY0EXA1
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAfwW9fdE5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54ugxPUkMy
**THUD**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbuvzb5Tdw
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49dzazGwwN
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3VA615tJE
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mZxlRxLNU
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkMVYzSNHI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNhBgcF2oI
"--!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tISh5ANuN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DgObGOqA7
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB6T6ph9zN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaKQ5ttNRy
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLHk0xI86d
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVco19Vlgu
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeAVesjnYV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiKfZfnRl3
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0WdEWedou
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSVCqRxMQs
She had hit a wall.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJWwc6DkfP
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1iMcXdOLy
"--!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxjVPDqZ2y
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuJ14v7LV7
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mpMalhH90
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9z8oSpXUL
**CLING**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7ODSrhOyX
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rx2PUpuVo
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeqwr2nSoY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuxDAknkTs
"Huh. I can't break free."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mSVQbRZhk
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h25G7mdaX
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha0dDFoOhM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnhKfhM4dO
"--Huh?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnRD3n2oVO
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0s2ShnRiw
"Caught you!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjRYHgYjoD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qo7kGhRuF
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY51td095Al
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSZxGkZkpW
"You!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8RVUq16V2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubXQlJ8kcv
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW6TAGKFTW
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTQYG8lT7d
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGvzwpozDx
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSAuQvcL5c
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPf5eAyJAO
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqkv7rxTno
"Hrk!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC8oqXxtDQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uWKORWEtr
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNypmmppy5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZvEVmc7lW
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjKFleVGIq
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYqyRIGoc7
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4m3m3zP8a
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5MUULPJJT
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEPHBrjqOv
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre1ODWjAG4
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsd9vWMWNU
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFprmdJclU
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIYvv1ulrj
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8DP2kAo0B
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRlymHcP8B
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOldA0mMjk
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPlBzlPsYQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh3hkBZTT1
"...This is irritating."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyU3QRBTKL
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVK0u3kbPu
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoUaI78nKN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBaJOVLzqP
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXnsQF1PI9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt45ofcYm3
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xxDXgRocO
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1rWc5AC5N
Giving up became more and more alluring.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gErE1PwBm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJTEElDMaY
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuwOsM6SzK
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9RgOo2Wdl
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJQLYnwIjp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETfTAh5QsM
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGJ369irYc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD1gQtN3YV
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABJUGlS66Y
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzEnAuFUpH
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3Hm4VmCuz
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l8uuUeZYD
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVMSfWl5eS
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe1RUXSIAp
"...Unless, of course."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQxpsXTu1C
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFBkCpmgr9
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yGOtk1yxl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5lpvD2CdY
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EcK7DT7zB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H6kU7pH5x
"I don't like what you're planning!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBdMImT0E7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI6dQyc5Dj
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdtfIASLpT
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFsyfFnKnT
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLeTQ3HlT9
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cbMvTv2ia
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iO6OhXqYF
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKijGmX2eX
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4nCGe29Bs
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcN1ZNrEkK
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMntX1R4VFN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCWkClWkVK
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqZhDZGEua
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7wS9qnjYf
**THUD**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmZ0LadDAp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqqL8RO2pB
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj3zIBLnX2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1qLa21Wwo
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo51y8x2rU8
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzjXiY7iDi
"--Hrk!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoXpnjHZ0C
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBjjeBC7GI
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX30qlcYbeI
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS9OuJsyZJ
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7KsJaAKLH
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzkusm5hx3
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5v6speEPi
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKTzGzVWNh
"This..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk5pKDB0oO
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Up9f605H9
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml7lEQ6uxB
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn5NIvvhZM
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8yKP2UbPl
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo0CEM4RCK
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrY2G1jBrQ
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WWbDrhENy
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Fbrg2TeZp
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ999S0llwk1
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2lnwJMpu4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHlPb0kfRJ
"--sneaky!"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZctKuvSUIe
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMmknC92Uh
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kgfSS7rwR
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwJyyXOIHL
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKtZ1IQz7D
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvU4o1OkYr
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pAHFJ8BGz
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVPkLp2zGd
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EPwSLsPv4
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzvKftIp8y
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS5lu28YCS
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHvaUboSFo
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv9aHkL7QF
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9OLbxg2D7
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzn8rfV6n5
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioHX5NBEf1
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw06xdhYL7
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTat5RdJfae
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmPoXqlHQ2
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgUqPMPHdt
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Rku3dZGlc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAytBCVJMo
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYLNLPFQrD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HNV5BX39w
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lquZIweaY
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyRCJrAFID
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV0NaDcVe1
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyqMHXzhTo
"I win, though–"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmYpUl4Iau
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA70G6Qef8
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnggpMPJGml
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5P9kqRjmz
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorp7sUxsHc
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH0r3qfWs2
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WqOx3X5qe
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmgUn7Tjme
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsnKODJQ2e
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPImF1h5Kk
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw0rW1zI22
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02Yh77YcSe
"Can't move your legs?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xJ9NLu218
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat0P6sCX1O
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrIeks11Xy
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rU0srKvNG
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuBWOecNTC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ppy472yH
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSajP5TtTC
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPrh0hGQXX
"Aren't you going to do something?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM4gvlLbuN
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMQ4iqR3Va
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9XpZhK9dM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJJkXB5CFS
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIQNMnNBWn
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLzGZdKTCV
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHlEPd7HTR
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZLD9YkFi6
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPIClqDbyG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Lmhm65K8K
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–231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvirc8gGZbF
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTg7IHn7ty
**BOOM**231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTZYgwRIJm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSFUx5wuwv
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVy2PBgmzV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKP6BuZUXb
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VLoW6NQ8m
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaIfr9OIYj
"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."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsmRqe0Y9g
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyBPQHkc7R
"--?"231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdosPYp0IOG
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxLXy9rTSS
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhgCoUQDCs
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBgrPPEkYX
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKuZ0Pi5Xq
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsb9uEhelL
"...Ehh."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeBOCNpjmM
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bZqonizmF
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYI5cnbHWm
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytpLZTeKy2
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvepfkbSEDV
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmirAeTtuHa
"..."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgEbR3Zv1P
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLZwUbDJqi
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFeplQGzcD
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG7C7dP7yL
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk130ZAeEmd
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtJ46J4nYv
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.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1i3kUJIX6
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwdr90XXc5
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRteWK4FKB
