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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82l50gDtkN
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOInqpV6QX
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"Kid! Over here!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNjmwlYMb9
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql6ABIiKDG
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"Ya ready!?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Av7ahl5Vq
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"Don't ask! Let's just go!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJxSvcSMuZ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrAmhrEcVM
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VPyYyl5JM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM2XXwUQFv
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 place210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOxKkRENlt
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf3MxhgBZG
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"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8kZuROtID
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YEAH!210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKsKLONk0J
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZOBwQxRk6
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"Ack!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXOpd130CJ
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I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvabAannBm
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSRBIi2fHt
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3baC1tUli
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"R-Right!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSo6D7DMcD
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXwyGLvphF
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"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H6Ae4fmft
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWit17ooW4x
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkQRjhd2Ud
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"Crap!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNfbmRmhWy
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgk2uo8CGp
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However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZLTqakBNX
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAtJ22WTZq
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTyOt2LRoX
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMxMiG70qn
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However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNq2yWLOgV
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"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcqcNM8gfT
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"L-Lola!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaKH3BVjvP
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That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqYcBdTFJN
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotklNwvmm3
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J15X6UOlR
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcighMMu3cq
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAzdpWrs3c
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvT6JwejZw
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyLvAI0eWR
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYagrwUEIQ
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodjQXB0HGH
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCLIKBqjOM
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvTrZPDNpO
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–
–
–210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8l31nr5OM
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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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tgS6eH0Nb
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYFyVUDWry
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPqIdvGIUz
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUKFzPM5Hz
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiBo90u2Cr
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"Do you have something you want to say?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF8ULzZ008
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Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlt2ZNAh5C
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PnCttl32v
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"Oh, please. You should already know my name."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdos1URXHWo
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"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46cUEmc5lK
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEbodeuDUp
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9AsPHJBPM
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"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGi6pAWOBC
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The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r6p65VaN9
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"Call me Anima."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl73rHf2Tan
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2qZfsgvPe
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The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOO4SEfCZd
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHgzqtGZjt
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCjZkRQGr4
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"Ngh!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzGDNXrgW4
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It hurt, but a bite on the lips drowned the pain. Anima's absurd move confused her and raised dozens of questions, but she had the time to answer none. Her opponent advanced, getting close enough to attempt a few swings. Lola dodged the first two, but after ducking the third, she pointed her dagger and thrust it at Anima's chest. But though it looked like it was sure to hit, Anima strafed to the side and avoided it perfectly. Lola's body committed to the trajectory of the knife just long enough for Anima to–210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ1a5gloqd
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**THUD**210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeUChP3NQt
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Jesl926k
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRuStm6KEs
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"--!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcpo7tNALi
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Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZwShsvLGF
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Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57amb79iqJ
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmXbk8NYG5
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeX6O01gxX
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUyO48oMn0
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She had hit a wall.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01rewE7A46
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"--!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTE0EtQyT5
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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–210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7A7AQQmQi
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**CLING**210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9TDZZ03ep
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReuutHpmyC
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"Huh. I can't break free."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnsNFLczdR
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4St9zxAGW
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"--Huh?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8MEEqSTQN
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"Caught you!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk4ZwCV0mR
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAuryPPH8M
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"You!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxDlxICzwP
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxWGFKFC1a
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTinSKUc1nt
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRserbMWr8V
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NmAwh4DqD
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkIgt6XXoz
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"Hrk!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbZnPeEYg9
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxBu97nGio
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKQDfcPbPS
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNyEiBoH3e
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS8325guhg
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURQIbEzMvE
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIl3MEZaQK
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu1yDmMpTF
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmecfh1CD7O
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLsFkDbZjR
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJqf7RPMTD
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVeLGalD5v
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnqfCpxk5i
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRfTbhBhsm
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Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT0x756DwH
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"...This is irritating."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz60hxeGTFK
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIqy9NakYG
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKXYjAo2sO
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxcz14XVvy
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsD4F1lgwj
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj0Z3AKeBC
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCInERaBTTE
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Giving up became more and more alluring.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrgukaElpc
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"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIpJTAU6zz
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiS1bFT3cB
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm6uuEOML4
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrDjbL1Lsh
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx7OaHYZC7
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxYvpBHkw8
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTfojSKzae
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqAGflvGUS
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO4CUOi2b1
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"...Unless, of course."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGWSXNVIAq
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She had to concede that her opponent was the better fighter in hand-to-hand combat; those few exchanges were all it took for her to realize. But it seemed to Lola that she was the far better mage.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv5cmHlMmy
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She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEIwCDSnRo
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"I don't like what you're planning!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLJ8UzkfV0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JT2I2JlF9
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfvb2zIsii
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUnBPMrmHy
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM85p27wLuz
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPqo7R2AUZ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh9zRfKYIF
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorTCEf0uJV
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKAMFejr0j
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U8ruGr1nA
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLRoLvCrwT
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–210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlMihbdbXs
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**THUD**210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrFMS6xsvz
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But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I6aZmOm8I
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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–210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxu0Ay8c1q
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"--Hrk!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hFufBk9eD
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–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzEiwnMAL1
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YL4l2DGvl
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTp4VoqQ0p
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFBDqWgrGM
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAXb3RR1Io
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"This..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuI6lXReTkd
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She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73spb2u3MO
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6esFMEKdi
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj6UFnISfY
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH9Us8T0KF
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajJvTrWDNW
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT55ezckLSS
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74wYvqO39q
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTZFU8eF7D
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOwvHwPDJ7
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk7WHAidCo
"--sneaky!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZcezjBKfA
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCFO7JfyN8
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru6s0QGdlC
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5b9N2QUCQ
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKhIqEuOuB
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH56Wz0UbN
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUwUZbhZy0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hcqdk4BI9
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYrDQgRia1
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVFFxDhMap
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCv2MiMs7S
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWH16PRLr0m
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XOo0MLEBM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMsgMneQSV
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aOPcQ2iVo
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQaq9So2YT
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2ChmhXBNI
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRxBvvp5Pn
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yBoAydXcg
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkZyJYc2b3
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo7CtpFlDb
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy3TDOO5og
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvJDftCa7f
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"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsBDfFgX4V
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnarI4Hd2Gb
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVcx0F9UAm
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"I win, though–"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUDHLLLNea
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Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rf2MYWTFv
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCfAAgy7fr
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Peu40HIb5
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d6zWCA1nI
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGLY6QTvgS
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJFOylXlIB
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvDM5l2puI
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVBFokTzFt
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hr0vXFOxd
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"Can't move your legs?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcE9wZPU9i
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U97ppqkli
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtToEnCAcnL
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpPSgj2Dm0
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuFvHGLWk2
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoJgKnSkRb
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6pI7ihssE
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"Aren't you going to do something?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmOniuCQl0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMpJnckaXl
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Gj0COmQm
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFvQdGLtTr
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLrsayaF2R
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZlEH3K2yV
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCT9iLT2Mw
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjf3m8ksqP
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCYOrlFPsq
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–210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdd5RpvM5P
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQALDau8fD
**BOOM**210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEESDDGVxw
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ821BzGVu9e
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjlYpwkAiM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqAqPGlVRB
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhHfxqVGEH
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJA0mQlUxM
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuBJobCKOJ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjlufRStTh
"--?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhAWilVMGD
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"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDpsNiJtXT
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFKUyMTNo1
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbvC46nHDX
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"...Ehh."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk86APk4iaj
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She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4yhhwGbP6
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Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72FlObB9OU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL3Hq6yz8c
"..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiFxQpa0go
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds2IWrSY0s
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzVbahC20z
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcZVUKzlQr
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm7RL0NlJs
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCVW27xyfu
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A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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