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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvWQzEiw79
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXMDuBdqBo
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ552JxZK3Ch
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"Kid! Over here!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ByUVvtqD0
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4oDFAGQvI
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"Ya ready!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIhtMjeGUU
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"Don't ask! Let's just go!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpVFrL9y9e
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdxxF1muHQ
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gZmG66g5i
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGBONgS2Xn
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 place229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zDLnBtwDV
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BHx9EhG43
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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!?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYPZgQTu3b
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YEAH!229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXFAlnbR3E
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7vhS6Sln5
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"Ack!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NcdkNnSrf
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTM4XyoInI
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMTsgW9Q3R
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRWrsJGkHb
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIop2T46AJZ
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"R-Right!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64ZJE5Demg
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVYz35LVEA
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcevVkujSM
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy3s0F22z8
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS9XUiW2FU
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Bzxz3lhF0
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"Crap!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJUzctjEBM
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HmnILRaHs
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However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hQjmpmg8q
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdulcH2tGM
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qW2Ag6JMC
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjRyr1gLtP
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRYAAkjl1I
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKrK9bMjON
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJChtqrejL
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3lNqwlNDn
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs0ZSTXFUB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOMRVsULGD
"L-Lola!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5m3vNQp7J
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNetqZOeDYq
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BTvWCdnRe
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"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4am0z0csS
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFwIcTKxFW
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWuDC8wdvG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KUlFnLHAH
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjahYbPGx17
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS6j25nuM4
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgbS7RQfsr
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo74yCXVeCG
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2o7Y9NtKp
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1l7EZ6WE8
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–
–
–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0roNXPdcKh
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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?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3Em1BQ0fW
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyPSdYrEvM
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5Fk09wyFA
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEULj5PW1H
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFNmFK59yp
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"Do you have something you want to say?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYnQN4L72F
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX74sMsmfWu
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOpJFOgR9o
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfkulaoauG
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"Oh, please. You should already know my name."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDhdi85xvR
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"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNUu6ZsoSV
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM66ZVdVx7
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwYOFen477
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"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLPqEOP2Pj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYlMOgiU9Z
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3dy5FiNiv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWA7AGSwAq
"Call me Anima."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT91xl3LAGc
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9Nb91Ctht
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOJb4slWwC
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJquJvireb3
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauMTF64wzE
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"Ngh!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLshR5YUmd
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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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnotqdyaFo
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**THUD**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6enaaLMVvJ
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH1coqHDRp
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAlCWy9bpU
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"--!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCis76oAKv
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIlLAK6OMw
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyWMCOgsVE
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqoluOdRfZ
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOCKwd9JUy
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2jsOUBIfv
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZarucZKdOF
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She had hit a wall.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewBob3Zov7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCJqkh137m
"--!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9Q1WAbRXB
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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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu8QTA6pfN
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**CLING**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGSFDpGSHE
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiSDOd7H5k
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"Huh. I can't break free."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDa8DTdBKq
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnkfGxMIcz
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"--Huh?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4Uu9VdzaW
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"Caught you!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypRkVqNH4y
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP6xvrbODM
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklGNcv2EGm
"You!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyuhISyHO8
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHInYrlFQ84
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmNmEgBQyr
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L6btu4QgB
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hDYPUIaK3
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMccngwGAr
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"Hrk!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto7iFm4986
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx4fH8RCaO
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bqh3vG0Nf
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42rVVWbArO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzp0bDVbP6
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbIbXGk1BO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddbgwt2KmV
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn7ua5xkiv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzA47xUsCT
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoGlvFMI6O
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd2jHPVcFG
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQozbd4acH
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYimgdrfVhf
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MXx3Xbbuf
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"...This is irritating."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX8go5sqkA
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkephbFWLw
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0VW0dsl1b
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSp73lqZF9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhYX4ssYFF
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9Ngs1B1hu
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Giving up became more and more alluring.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpXm2x8kTl
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bg32BN6S0
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4MhBl0jE7
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwxPnDINoQ
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22xuLwXqZj
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxmYAiYHxC
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeSSVhVzuK
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxomR7Jnx42
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZsz10PAYV
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5sFCdcsCR
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxkazSrApI
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6paaOwuOI
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPNkziTlqM
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"...Unless, of course."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM7tLLkBh1
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJxAEIhZwO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIiIFhsXf1
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXgcuMbiTK
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSs5I6nXiA
"I don't like what you're planning!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoTxZcQ6hc
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmlJB6c9gN
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwQT6BGphl
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgisNC6Fiek
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurLbLWVHyd
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn9WpTQmMt
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWhIYh6BFu
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD80RKjNcq
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkpIRKHbfm
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dSN9B1EDt
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG03PftrcD
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQwdKpqKai
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNt6bxTgLU
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArhmUsqnCC
**THUD**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OuvgYwR7B
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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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxRi4ntBGv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsswq9Dj2EZ
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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3CmmkTZkV
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"--Hrk!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGaX1r8XSJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwAynZpUpB
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV1qUKLf24
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJmgb3AmrG
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2FwIdFCVk
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KY61vC3We
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO6rK1pG07
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPBolNHipj
"This..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE18vkQJds
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcsualKK7g
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUt5iKJR23
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CZnxuRrhH
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R0WSjtiXW
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN70RIeX9q
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DZYQ0eUrE
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6DQgaqv3h
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfpv6rmy1E
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCGpwv47S3
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTbvd1Bqi6
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcCMtE2W3E
"--sneaky!"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdnRndlKjU
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOEbiqL50A
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp6hTQk0c4
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVBExiAbFh
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTvKxlmRO1
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBVeubxSO0
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYfjLbZ1Uq
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhxtzpCGrU
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFd6sErXy3
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLj6eusVgj
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rXpP6AiCQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXRjuUPQBl
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtez6HM6EmW
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMSLmQIHN7
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxykLENPqO
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AGEtHACOS
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSsAdhEyvt
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3Te98Ik0U
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZklYDQP1V
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4a2l8rShm
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO9YJfvhN4
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuaiNzi1qz
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhHeuAeXuV
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq45e5rAA6
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj1Jd9sqmf
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDSLVBZTjI
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5MBSDOVFJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vtKYMWIO3
"I win, though–"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0Az11kkSb
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqcFdozzGI
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVWIni1IVr
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkfGsp9z8r
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzmRuT60Un
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6DXh2cZ1J
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5lF1N4ZL5
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8Kqfn7dep
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgIq2DAl2O
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0CuzDYGzM
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAm7dV8Rcu
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaFaPIgr1A
"Can't move your legs?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fs5yQidfs
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7q3ohrbuk
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoQTMPJZmt
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXE4fQSqxf
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK7Gh9ODY9
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSHDQc0Hbw
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNrUijFoks
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhL7oT667e
"Aren't you going to do something?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCN9oTwyyg
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKud4qp26No
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa2b22NMkc
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwvNUo1zal
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoF6FnJgkm
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpqXvXSjJi
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9GxGFtWNK
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV96iSBZfu
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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–229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5pzFfuC6i
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDRHSIEDaP
**BOOM**229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYMLISLbdv
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWqTuABKKB
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaiG6n3EMU
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwPi4zOVt9
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq6cuvkGbQ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH2Byo5Vs5
"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."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDZCNyGCpz
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnXiwM2apC
"--?"229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40N6ZgKz99
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck8lrt9lXe
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZM5l2XfZX
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmb9kHomHz
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FnE2Qq7Fj
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"...Ehh."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorscccYf7y
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsMGGjAxEO
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMkgA2qx0d
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA82LUblSEF
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nkOAggrpR
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0u4KtJA1u
"..."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm7EAZ98Bm
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLialxxhw4
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"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkOv9zVcjJ
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MydA49cSA
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.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnzvwVTyyD
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42kmWSF5dY
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwECSv8DNO
