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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwqQc5m9NT
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPDPObGhri
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHnPkkxerM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7az8iElUE
"Kid! Over here!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZTI1ttcRL
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt0useqV3j
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDpksBLeS2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsKlzuNiXb
"Ya ready!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0HplSUAwk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBei2eMWo8l
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueiJJZ98Bk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw1CAiF7Gu
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOiYJwu7CL
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDvQnUThKo
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 place176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ovcSUUHSu
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP3wq9Q7HE
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlh7UBHsYC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchz5iYQDmE
"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!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxkPlg3Cub
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNtBr58R0J
YEAH!176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPr9HcU1j1
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ySDnqH1F9
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBfpmxiX1G
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqx4J05LM7
"Ack!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxZYmSnoCO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44dZQQFfEy
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpx3qVn2bw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHIGDzmuuW
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAyUMIQrou
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWWSozhtOk
"R-Right!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6QMtuB4lC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r19wcH0e5
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbvCrtk3rI
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvQ3CONpYp
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCIUMc9fk5
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSo8VKqmY0
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmOaxX17rw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWDRT3DjAV
"Crap!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIruICwaOP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ4HL1DXf3
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PcSSeRy4T
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnzmxzkWMk
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfLPOESN7w
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuahVCKAN8z
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK0ko6cjPH
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0tbt8Ysoa
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXk4sVzidr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Kmmusy8R3
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDAdC5h5Zi
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gHs8shTjL
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2DuML57Ln
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJhTNubk1b
"L-Lola!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uUJByk3CM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr8JI7AQho
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVujR9kXHaw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6GFiC0mCy
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMyQLPByIq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJHk3q5xjs
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbZd2cyvrl
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUo9eeiBH2
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BwOZbzeEk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nRAoqaDyz
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2h1hcPrUR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iJS0rFlIY
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuisIo2Nqpi
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d3NrQX2AW
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YQVI2Pibb
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKj0V3CP5l
–
–
–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUdWwXkUVr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCaJtKcaGs
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?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrnKShzG3V
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGkID0UKm7
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8Xf5OQXuW
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8CjDKnFT5
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2YfJMi66A
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmQYJnAeuh
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIHC8uTv0u
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBvTjwpj6u
"Do you have something you want to say?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEij0dwzSL0
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfoPlG8qwd
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7iOBqVnnP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KtjdAdhtI
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiYWham1sH
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQu9RNkWkX
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF14mX6zwX4
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqIkNvz4Ru
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABxDKQLTM5
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI95b3IechZ
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSxB7fwdhA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr29CAs6Jzf
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcauF8fFgJ3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tXS7VEjek
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPcUM7cD4a
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhYTkogCJF
"Call me Anima."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpThICl8t7
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkZIb5URU4
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd934mVX8m
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqkLT93ncV
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0j0bKZYRn
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDoWcemrsz
Then, the Harbinger dashed.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeNn5LLqid
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJXBzAyZX4
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcioGsfUvC6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITk5ROImr3
"Ngh!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYCNVG1fLF
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WpXC4zEOk
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ilwIZfHrl
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bVrBFqtRO
**THUD**176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuNwY83Oie
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkVZnPl6X0
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1gOVihlIk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqXmq1DPSR
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5D8h5QaiE
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadMlE9KoSr
"--!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW48N19QCR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WNsFsumpH
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNXvAO7YGh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5H1FcqxQQ
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MRPmsm0X8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpySdKUm5a
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz66WXjoBnZ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhyeVc2R1m
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kkOYNObID
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfChQVaTWM
She had hit a wall.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxTdBgflcB
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEhoDARbW7
"--!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOWaOLzCkY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zx4TppNXM
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QFTA63TKI
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchQCumffG3
**CLING**176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7Sdt1IFrO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpet8AizCwV
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme1kNgWRnf
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAM864IiZw
"Huh. I can't break free."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER4vVg7iPx
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa8TOovUc5
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wqEf0XL3k
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEEyo73zSt
"--Huh?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyuCKNsE26
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh35eR1wKb
"Caught you!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzbfooysNU
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GNRMiqfTu
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZxIerQlY2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7vZq13Pcs
"You!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoRhljaCeB
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfQ7KoKZFe
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0z32QnVF3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCQGUfbUXR
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJrhGHggPU
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMcuO76fuo
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pfVl2exex
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz92gq316I
"Hrk!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwG7tIJUDW
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAFwgb2SBB
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sgRXRny1j
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISVD0kxAaI
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTx56zY38k
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvZ60k8Q71
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtEEGtQZcx
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8YaN1j3gn
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjICkHtqwFc
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPvztoDdnM
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaU3j92leS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzV8JKc5RB
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF1SG6Sh99
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uwdCqMjAp
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5StdgW1Gi3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY71etqGgW
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQxEUkEH6N
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9WbPQNkzi
"...This is irritating."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElEE8Rwfmp
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvndzOovttf
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SGJdzr1og
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8aR8hX6cu
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVTxH5e5DD
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGvBjTeGHj
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jBm9Xap1p
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOokcbCszKw
Giving up became more and more alluring.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbL3jYzZ9X
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR15AsNbEZ
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vVlMWdnZp
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2aqmAqrzj
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiTgUFZbJZ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPstjrNzMs6
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ9IbUpo4D
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jea5s1NSl
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif5oEWx3w3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gnzhXIN0m
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1teH1JaeA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhTcDNKLo4
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYvsBJRzfm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCjjYC6LC6
"...Unless, of course."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBZaw7pyNH
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LAPrbe13s
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTyVZFrAkO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9AtDypD6j
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl2Nd78aRe
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnkdg4bDTB
"I don't like what you're planning!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgf46YjbMh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETmnEuCZ1e
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2KlMbHAuc
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBR7SdVVQy
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJSo7rWZiA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFRzUPiO6Q
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2ARqloTAq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6r7EbHx1I
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG5HHy6H9z
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK4zg5Jsbh
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHC3BJbas6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUQqlVO8ca
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyjgSoWyBY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz2otslFzj
**THUD**176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglm2yK7WvP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUdXw84OBc
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBhEpiWHzE
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOh9OudhRp
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbstsGH6Yo
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaoYtJt0pd
"--Hrk!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2CINhrpSj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTw3ENpT5x
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeBV7jzDn0
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdqwo8Ei5X
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Xn5jDwYhM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHAPufds0c
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmhFxj7s7x
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ3poPsz1e
"This..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqdU9GfYOf
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoFnwGZTyo
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99hWLIbxFW
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvraW4TtztO
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo0xFk28Yr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJfVpSAP74
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT21daMiQa
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlia6gflngB
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmUhcWYsPe
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIb5DFR0GD
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC33yyMMmh
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshbcTC4UqB
"--sneaky!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji3EiBru91
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATBRwJibzT
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFskGFHjE4w
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgHx5ZqPxt
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlXfnGxiti
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiaQBqqElN
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxZM3GTLaw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gzOY01P28
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpJ5jARnhL
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7NNt3cEmu
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu0MqYas8K
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwju3BQTsT
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrU7EDya8B
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuEcZ1SADL
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6Pxd5JMGb
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7YjD8WUVC
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFrLRfC7mL
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAte8AKHvFY
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRpBGBnLDX
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZesMQWDKt
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXzU1P080r
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusGCqqNzrM
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm3J18pUzZ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF734eAHVM
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHoq9i8NcA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpN6qs8dQz
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPJdsyl1n5
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzFwwe3SNp
"I win, though–"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfeNGBK5Yr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G3Wt8SKXS
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLb2MgQy4Z
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYTJlORFHd
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9rfrQ0hNR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplyiKwNIfw
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCgVZL6zZ8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbm8CSmjKo
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFUDXi8TgY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb36csQfwrC
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSBIiwm6xR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95PESBXoaq
"Can't move your legs?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52CYwuCzjr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJREVj2zFy
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUegHjrOEdC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAQADYktE5
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidqUNkZ9O8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrOY2vnFH4
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwSQiDQMMD
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb5uFoVYnp
"Aren't you going to do something?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy8zSsvl9J
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqv6EDoTNW
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXYmee6IId
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3it8yEwvd
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ImHbOtOrq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYNlCN6txQ
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCIIlumLQM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7NdIVI2sD
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAhur7yAdC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq8w8J7dAx
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNMEagA020
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFPy2JzEkd
**BOOM**176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdMnSXLgeu
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR2ciMPnPX
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLy1rrWj2p
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGIfecU34U
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCm1DrG1HCG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR9iSFKU6z
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlACVjmIEsK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfQNcXUU3f
"--?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWZUyMMei9
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoT4k2Pffd
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIR6W6YD0k
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVpPrqaF9k
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmLkI03Tfu
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6C64ZxaLb
"...Ehh."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpwxPNX1Ol
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ9IKKnh7P
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bh4cV3jX2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOneVCluWq
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFJhb5RZPB
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx0VVXl6Bc
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFZzYGJjRR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs9BcYd5XF
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmMogtJ6C6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2UzYy8w5W
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeUoIvEN07
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDFStk2eUS
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IxftmPHzv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsariXbKxD9
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6nI9SmMFu
