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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cGzAxrqYc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn1NGzW1Sl
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZGBjvnm5k
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rt4BWYDps
"Kid! Over here!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK0tsntIt4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8OvRZmYZ8
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEoiBqfLWq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3jMzOm0o9
"Ya ready!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo6FpFxYIU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyTF2THdF5
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdPDIxeuM0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OXb7LZbFR
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO21DdggOLz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHDzOFhkOf
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 place241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLJOTQs6em
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy8XKWLWcI
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulAoUwCtkI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUObO47zLYp
"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!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4czDQ2GMhJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP6aT1DiXX
YEAH!241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD93TRcHk7J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXDmbEqBNj
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQRizjbfYJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpwF57U9R3
"Ack!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMUlYF0mND
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bKldsa6EI
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvl4ZKplM1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbzuUyO6CF
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgM9bA916D
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DuQkf497i
"R-Right!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtKZ40CSro
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTcuZeSnTG
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXANVUlLWn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRanK4dJXg
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58nb5uaYeS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZNfr4rOwa
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5Tb5CGt0d
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9bqv7trtc
"Crap!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtPmgNqmKg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZqGOPBp08
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I3YzCBjNf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbzMy7DeOx
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1Bj6MoOas
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbZbPwqh0m
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno8aLVfnz5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM9wZWzJ04
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGY0NGreFN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTdPFP3tcj
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfKANBC8VZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n05N6zbHN
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgUxN2Z5Vf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhqGcpToLq
"L-Lola!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjOteiYmFZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yAVXv3yQ1
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv39AwtKuRj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuDeWl86Mk
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeGNvbWYNB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExsHLeP6IU
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKrlJtQ9T9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziHq8p586j
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjHgxCrqXv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPy42fKRPG
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK4ASC8ZkK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lcYvrB6zc
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eBAovfbmh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFxlZrpKTO
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUWvfy8uC7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD6WgD9W9G
–
–
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qvoS06kFA
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Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLFGMcFqJm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXIt23XeeY
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKds9s85B0v
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdyrzLAD2z
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXFBLqZ5zN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxtoHcjcvt
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmN1oYN3s4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH6le4kBw1
"Do you have something you want to say?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpYrs0xHNA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7DoHLrtIZ
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7aiOp02Vy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghJsT41WYn
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1Go9z97qE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsjQDD0It2
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UvSqRVMLr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrqUSz4n2J
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDDBEjggjB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC7TZhFBVw
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmtQYVW2Fd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWy9vzf3R7
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlHzH18E6u
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxJanWSYQd
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn7arawL3o
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyuJOJUhAP
"Call me Anima."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxSc3l2YlO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WIUIvI6XX
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceix6z9rq6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ961Bef4pEU
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z0d1ABA0V
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOTxWYoo3T
Then, the Harbinger dashed.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXcATEPUuq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWV6ib1WhD
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYTfgYxOSI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwFLTJ50u1
"Ngh!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFqCfRIzfR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPARfxv6rw1
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEodC1J7RsK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRlRbYmdSc
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MoHDqBYdC
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She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDv8PBPYvw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9re01v78NA
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB4LDgT8PX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85clkQMpOU
"--!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdv0HyVzhr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fRIzLCE99
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk0GVfU3LH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnvqLwr1z3
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjthK1HvKmh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB9hW5Y5Qr
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiWYXuO78e
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzs5SMSARV
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3evvVHgQT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVtUDQlrIy
She had hit a wall.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblelBWPuR6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqT4uFlnBN
"--!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplhRHlWr9W
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBLn86F5YL
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JeKxWDWxy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4CUMPX2oU
**CLING**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiAKteugB3
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5GEyzGWD4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl6HHRoZJy
"Huh. I can't break free."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2hHAEsHQH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvmRE2gLvw
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtukRTR4mS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCutDYSjoR
"--Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1gTiETmXj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rmGM8Wlss
"Caught you!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hXKEgjqIf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznCE8M8S5S
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAAqYH7aBm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mwWnuydoW
"You!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5nFpQJY9Q
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H5chNn6Kp
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjWfndxg4u
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbWLfHe7Mp
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCLFhlAduQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn3V97kar5
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LCpvUDDL0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a3v7Plf2B
"Hrk!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBK8eCbbIm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz8MMmJAwG
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ4YZj9aHN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx5yjTPqyH
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq26YDQiFnq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr2jbrWGvY
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QgteKcl6y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OkTax0hyD
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyvIX4IS89
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lmla6gtJG
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTywh7CMv6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2nGNa0kWB
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHHHv7LYR5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2QNikeTdg
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFodGaErcX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoQGknziFc
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkXQyF3YnM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRBzS72UYo
"...This is irritating."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyQVRDIFAi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQOPC83Rzf
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Cv6kD8mQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrZm6WUq9g
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0h759e9UC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuYVvARIwN
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunSOSPwSLY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7iYY52jOu
Giving up became more and more alluring.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OufPdPhwG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdicURVR5E
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCIUcjSuDk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLld8Lrvpll
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJzGD0NCKH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrhz7mP9YV
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFozS0WzFw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM0KiCI6cG
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1gfUOzdAH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhgPBcS8rJ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaAcgzH1CF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUq2kRxYrk
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb76gZajKJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWBY5zZQ9o
"...Unless, of course."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMeoQghsvh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OGog7rV2n
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tkVUglp2k
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdGsP2Daqj
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh5JMburF3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Bn8n5uBox
"I don't like what you're planning!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemhmkXrxuA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSAq8T25a7
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OCdVQsVN2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9FUWLk12V
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjL7po4C6x
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZMABD3l33
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAdWOC5Uzm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pu9rfVnOq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCQ4VPD3XL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTo1hWrKdN
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4gr4Oo4gz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg4XGNFvvw
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rQMAsGTCK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXs1Gkn0ng
**THUD**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSshVYqyK9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjXNm60Ddf
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF9YqmWG9J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKouH11Kzy
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuihKDHnS59
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDJabcItso
"--Hrk!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmbI6hWACs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLkJcJyCuY
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeMkL9fEm5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9nuSbJ324
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcANlhOOgIo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdckPjx3pO
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGa3x2TMhk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECNho9ROom
"This..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz2l7WahbW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47RjZQg9MF
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16D47igb6k
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct6hJ0q2Je
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauAtk9cWWN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpPQMhVGvp
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWOqqt2T1A
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkFzf1ymwk
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sNIgzpq6m
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmykRtQQ2h
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgYPw5O9TN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J5Ux3wTAf
"--sneaky!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVPHw05SEN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJkv2KjIyG
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO2XlRg3uo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8UQYJOcsC
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5hKhlVyLX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjKVndDQ7D
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3seJrFOid
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ4aBBHfCu
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14LZZDv3yV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSrELT6ZYN
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcmPx8rFBH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhZEp4cnwJ
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnqIm9NtzN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcWKwKzRcr
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHaPJ2XXG1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLUNQXukBm
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDWQJs6NzX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO20yXVEe6
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOBMCcDzgw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7ufSjcyfM
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WSzsvKEeF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxHRyIndAa
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFFlScG3EM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVeXmvyzJL
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJpu3pD9OI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjBMPNT32z
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWRyMkq2QU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER7w9BTzl0
"I win, though–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwPss1cAXr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfejWqfo9i
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK6uoacMPP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8eT12zGHA
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aO4QIvGFZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L2bmtQ1kq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0631IVwq7J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE66CgGMhMR
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlSReIjFtr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTLgVeXC5H
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd9pI8ON1e
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMusD82qda
"Can't move your legs?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8jQPvtbaE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhXSB7c5Ki
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqldGWk8ATp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6Sm2bsLIy
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTCZ74yNuJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLApYAJ1Xco
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWhf5K1qbV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfwKCTcNm5
"Aren't you going to do something?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjEqvNJoLO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3snguruut3
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ698V7I8UfJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVnE1bM6YQ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxpmP8pjWs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IYzvYeKtr
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6y6E6jpyC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZNUp0OEgJ
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8coYFaZbB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzMKDLNO2Z
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b39c7uqBa
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNRM4IK6jM
**BOOM**241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQV5PMhwf1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlO1pOaHji
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGXTRG2YAw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a5aObS4US
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4nXX6WcOx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1NB6PKJm0
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJmMszfDqQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiRMWdhEGw
"--?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWkwg6ELZX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Gi7rqy0m
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1gvl1xuvC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qKNHslXtw
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvSj9PxyXo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTLzYtAlJ2
"...Ehh."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ExcoC36hd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjKKwv3k4k
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rXvBwOj6V
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHYbs2t6UI
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMMgFcldMt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlJSraUuh2
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlKVgzG2tb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSQ6xGBrJ0
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuxLhPHUGM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI3Ub9KarK
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzdzipEd9o
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOrM02JSdZ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPE6vnRBpI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlbOrKxx3o
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4nS2oRo2r
