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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasJuY9zeBL
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqZ0swUQPD
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9J6y6q2Ql
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr3Pq7ux4U
"Kid! Over here!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyB8FAXqynl
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalV6RYm0Zm
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGybnMASyne
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uZdNQfCYw
"Ya ready!?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwXH92F8QG
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ikAxEa7A1
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWi7tp2Y31k
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWECqHsQpU4
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZub61z49KR
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtag1LeBg2X
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 place286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOYU55GEcY
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6wm3YE306
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlbQMvWPYa
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz7oE9kmcn
"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!?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nmXWbH1NU
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoh3I6bkQy
YEAH!286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUx0MO7Xd2
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJzBI5kNeG
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KpoVu2t4O
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflydZrwSxJ
"Ack!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xtFcXIt21
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQBDXu0mxY
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGPcgj75rD
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GR9nJuVTr
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX13BvTHaC9
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlJeukDXfH
"R-Right!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl2Uwbuttu
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyrKohuscN
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra1NbvDpS7
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVie8Y9BCk
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yWbPuOPfT
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz2lrGYOMk
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxwI0VJ6XQ
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfknexwC6L
"Crap!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVi9sEHpdc
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7bbFLEte4
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sTUatGpvJ
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS8Ax97DVE
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i0cccQGGJ
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX0i9T7wbB
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN2LuFJ0eW
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iZtlBDTkg
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslcqmAnCwn
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KaS7H8QTF
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNKRMZ0Hq4
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCpB03iLsV
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguc0yxeuJ4
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIGSnSB9bZ
"L-Lola!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRswDnCksA
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCEaOv92Cm
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eA6Dzv57Q
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XesCNLnU5
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkETYgC86O
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevSDXA4Xno
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7dHVtyPxC
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8perMPz2ra
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QEjFcyYPQ
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYJwk5DwHC
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVCh9PdS2U
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kdwM1f9Gl
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2lHaSNQpd
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Y61o3vdd
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrm2Ygf5Kw
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJoHdtRlGy
–
–
–286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVOoZveusb
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD7urxU9KZ
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?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGuTOBaQl7
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHpN1nxftI
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf2soFhfZn
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeIvscDLGJ
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2eYTFOYJG
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB5qeIPTxM
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eM40WTnTA
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyILpUEnuE
"Do you have something you want to say?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT3T2xdTW1
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbfCBos8N6
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ChO08ZhJm
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5QM5REgyM
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUzSQngA5k
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhG5KnkyZ5
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U1TVE9eky
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsq8cIUfF4K
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTpCORyztf
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8jAuqSfF2
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡattfIb5rdI
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX05eHS91U
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH5y6eyzDf
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jYy8wjHfe
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln4s48wzG3
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMDtjJdwh8
"Call me Anima."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEZenDSsOf
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKAyUsqaFh
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjm3DBRD1F
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56uV3vdp1j
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9DI4pFUyv
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hdpuTxpFf
Then, the Harbinger dashed.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueJsMToMwX
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPglZNyNJA
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8PTDrrClT
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyDwkOLdHS
"Ngh!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4VQNfbAYc
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKtZP11Izu
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–286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZAzMdZvLp
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFj5aqKC1M
**THUD**286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYigK16PY2
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm56h25S10j
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LTGk0iptf
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mY1A9c2EG
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AbfwqELTA
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2I9ywkdtp
"--!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTF4StXCRS
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyHXD5kowq
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0tTMh3GDv
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxILMB2jM3
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6XvBzsYDz
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdgpSy2qbQ
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOJpPkMXUT
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2dK7N3htv
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jzMbqCAnK
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek3WHdH9AF
She had hit a wall.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lDGfwVvD8
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTU0kwHZvX
"--!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkHNHGOc8W
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmZ4C6UGcW
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–286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctuI7doBAb
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekmsjRK7qf
**CLING**286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfrdAgK9XC
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMwYpET0uL
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoEBIAWpvZ
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG28nTF5U4
"Huh. I can't break free."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhXXIowVFK
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpoMUYx04d
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqxfp79oT1
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7crazEWuW
"--Huh?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE5m1osyhR
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxNgVpAgGS
"Caught you!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0lZn3nRrl
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqlkFYAyC6
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2zOHqWyGC
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHSTZPOC4d
"You!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIYjDXMCej
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9VTtCjWlc
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZtPGeWb9y
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrJ5WtxsNT
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40gzljXo0Y
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2oRl513XC
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK78exttXYY
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBBg9G7jF4
"Hrk!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG3joeYTBJ
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULflPQxpYW
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfIxN00lmQ
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHqLLK4KCx
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5bng4hpwI
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY5WBU54LQ
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUreDdnphQb
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgexa4vxjAz
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IiZ2nRslY
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUk6zyNvlt
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYHdk9kDFe
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7O208TqPz
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDhF50iDw9
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHmomkcqyx
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeLnsb8II8
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqU9HjcmFN
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9sXwIKdlq
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj2wNlz7MP
"...This is irritating."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLlIi9Xdwp
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wyEtljVy0
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GP15m07gi
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunZ1ut3mCY
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFBnoqW9f9
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfhrcNBlLp
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rHDSl7qGy
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6fwpY4Zsl
Giving up became more and more alluring.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksIgfBRnp0
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZpGyXKehU
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79SitldSbe
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNu44Y1EtO
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P2AbGclGA
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoRM5REYfp
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuMLxknTDk
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwB8XiKozI
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv4fzzTc5h
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKg5d7OYZz
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0bJpDp6Qn
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlk2p2J5DM
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5yBSy92A0
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNIByYXhBN
"...Unless, of course."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRSn4ibdQG
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5Sd4th99Y
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqqUTe99Sn
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBHWE4P64v
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu9X4LeYFk
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsJANYOX4I
"I don't like what you're planning!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVaqn5rlG0
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13zThtJnuT
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6FTtLA6Ne
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylgTqgMR5M
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0n60P0bzL
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkyWuuekCR
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIOtsQutuB
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2PkJbsgLx
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RRnHh3jWs
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTmbFHXLnG
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9agMpTiHI
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsNi6DdEgy
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–286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPegeoWhUqo
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL4uwwUmJI
**THUD**286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hilDYkb4i
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c0felY9C3
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBZm1rvDJq
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ6BHSRJSA
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–286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt44kawwdFh
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIMsneaZzE
"--Hrk!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUdZjyubL9
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmV5A6rW0c
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaDyFGZRwH
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHUUuvm9so
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w7nycXn7b
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItTSzRbbia
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E3hUyJo41
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYGzBNVocV
"This..."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgLxKcyA1L
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo7pCKSXwt
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKRDJpuW8C
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFclIPPVLS
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JfThfBx25
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5la5iBLZR
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC22LlB1oSq
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXvy7EUBvg
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3kLNj5nRh
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAeJCziGRY
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmPf0LMN6b
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEToXdZAO2
"--sneaky!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI01OyhVCOa
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVKJkpxZZE
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgLR4tE7hg
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW9FzD7gnI
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V0i2W832g
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKMpLTEqmD
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNCexySfjX
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1PTWLEGju
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIH0Luq3aR
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vxzsIAyEZ
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4l1XNX3Hg
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtacliiDUv
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZENX3M4fSe
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2CWYGop03
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhX3RDZdDx
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs1UhrOqes
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoqbLiDz6v
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8u03wYYGf
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfJcPt2zjV
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnv5iB1atM
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8alAY51YI
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp4g2CjCu8
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotT1iNsTqy
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOHiWUfnke
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHp23f2OnI
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfzj8DxJJS
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmJ7Q0hKPq
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxpjHkilyC
"I win, though–"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgaisTXjcO
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3LZagS7AX
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgieRWr8jYn
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMZMoFVnpI
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYl6RQ3xQa
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYPLr1hJmN
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx0UCCBLru
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP32Sys2SN1
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPUH8Q7BWu
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVkAJcuayy
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ199TbBHk9E
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ8EtfXjMI
"Can't move your legs?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS4ffjXF4I
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nOgGPHZJW
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRtxKdkkU1
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZLXhv6Z64
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARxtHaqMd0
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC2NwLxTEZ
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KJ3P6R1aE
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYUAx3R2C0
"Aren't you going to do something?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oxXYRXNbA
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IjOq1Y980
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwj9C0KbHL
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNKT4osGXZ
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pGro6Caqe
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu3wwpNIUo
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgiVmGiwWq
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ812xnWEjJ0
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SmLhrfych
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6yyIMFpZ1
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–286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSsqzA59mt
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIHy0MY9Li
**BOOM**286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tIRIsGbui
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqVdQNhI2S
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPraBbtX7r
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPNdP6EXHn
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9CVKPfMjb
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2xjq25Q8X
"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."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw8okKaMZA
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIylZGRlOw
"--?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtBeIdZaDs
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGq8QV0prA
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v5b8y72n4
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxdx3me9Ah
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8Hm8O7a3T
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnWUhIzX1d
"...Ehh."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWvxXKY4nI
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSjWK47zTW
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CjIkWzTTx
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEWgfqjyol
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldG53A1WHO
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7XiEDbUWG
"..."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYqrypvsLr
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYA990BY75
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTQwzDz0B0
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnPPuO7Z4e
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKdW3AxPa8
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby2cBasgr6
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCox1DFuEvN
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2pkCqsBLN
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg49aDJFq9
