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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QmROG5p8v
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i1QsXUUIG
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbHhsT1N71
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXl3e0UHJ4
"Kid! Over here!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDDN51ZPHF
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fl88JPefP
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3RT5NQL36
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxaBNljWyl
"Ya ready!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9Lq7L2Iz7
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXBk7z3hpi
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kRBPBgaum
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHpYcZ6Ejf
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWpRSvQhJU
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9i8UsPMn3
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 place159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJG0gbsFXR
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uj3Dzx1e9
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGbm6EoQXL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTkGmzE1nm
"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!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqlsTIGXSr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaGtlLGoZT
YEAH!159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqJHouXhoG
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0wY8ooWzK
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX0tXCJJQg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf3zQ8SAsZ
"Ack!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhgXjmcpKz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0oa9RLyEZ
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr86D5nU6CB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIzHIUoX0e
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZtyUwc2Jx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiXW5s57Pc
"R-Right!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5CGOh4A1w
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DQEmFxDsQ
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52BOZSH6Jg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC42bEWAyW
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPtJrIYJHt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58VdWY509l
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr7EdFG0kB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwm5gGHGuCP
"Crap!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImrFpPSYIN
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bHJZiRP8v
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sL7MWDHHP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir9F4HTNhz
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJSXcYi9Zw
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIngx5lqEK
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SOUlwRdQs
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmIsBKTCnp
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrm97uDpvw
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPDUd2E649
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ378txwX03Q
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSgn9xk8my
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdyXSPPMJf
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwx8hInvAO
"L-Lola!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFoMtuTvFX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9h3B00Bow
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ClEut00mK
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpuPfLLTIE
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbQ7GtWABe
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWZNnwofGB
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvTCSrLfqB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo4Sml8eyl
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7Ag2bMEbx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OIFEoxPwZ
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsOB0Ka1QK
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGEtZGnY0M
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1bXExbP4L
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWxwBsWVS6
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrgpG7TJiH
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zEdABWHu7
–
–
–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd11Vu2LaF
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ485fbJ60oO
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?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLYdcWoWW5
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhYjQWHjjp
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJskMw9nO8V
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvq7DCl9vZ
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikAMfVqcmT
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXkivVQJQT
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0alVPb1CQ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCGE5mkIuu
"Do you have something you want to say?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lqNnEDncv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu97YlupFB
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47n4zsEUOg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrijJwIw4ts
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKkDCtdvZe
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ7a45BLWr
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXPuIW2EV1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURCWZsg5fG
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71lRTstFfV
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyM2qoDo39
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaE53B8kkt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVXhKYHLq2
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjSPXBJUqG
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP5LbArCY4
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWP3WDNhhH
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPPiutjyRR
"Call me Anima."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aQtZoOQa9
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk2OhWpYey
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcNjsFNggw
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnRgDNh485
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F3h2DSzmB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sq23aQ1ze
Then, the Harbinger dashed.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC82xoRMMAP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hr0HWZqe3
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKPNnAL6jN
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8Ty82xjPM
"Ngh!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y4q7hYd8T
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVdOn0w9kb
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–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c2TwHpziR
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraHVgICfaX
**THUD**159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIk9KBv8ec
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7m57WrxgR
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrX11M1YzJ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUosQMOvyA7
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYX31W6DA5
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgrRwdAdyu
"--!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4aaAm3EVl
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXpeHfooVq
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqZ78ubzX7
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpgqQbfMoq
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGMeAzaGuo
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENS4IdMeC7
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q7y305jpE
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluY3M58hTR
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2RY0BQPZI
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE7RIcms6a
She had hit a wall.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp682LZcqFW
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfhIgm6Li4
"--!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMICpa6sAR8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF8Wwykkin
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–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzvzzSwOeW
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcjT8F6ylL
**CLING**159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OI08GQTvm
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3BCQrqaDm
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pASXotCEQ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO2zu7QoA8
"Huh. I can't break free."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbtAi7TSAm
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxbd0wy5w3
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAOHDIaiv3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3NbIEY07a
"--Huh?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLWYBxWc4R
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPFtnbTaDL
"Caught you!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQx1ijdOPk
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BLEMMmswd
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tGnO3rwYD
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoCcCgELX6
"You!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscUaEnSrhV
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ8sBovChu
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPnxUj9EBZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJynnjVdJcz
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59XhOqFQfr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluTrVwdNqs
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZquFRbmx0
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaRruTv8Sb
"Hrk!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhf0BANO7Z
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SYAXOxmRj
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPl1z7SdTf
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggVL5T7OzV
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKg7SF6kXO
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA33YKKMeCm
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8HgU5qHmp
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWfoovr7Xl
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lPSyewn3Z
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RujkkJz7V
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeyDOLJixN
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HdahqocmD
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeBHMTFLC0
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJJeIAweM7
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7bwH1Gwny
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhesKKtkYY
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Dl9hklau
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34wrlRfcsQ
"...This is irritating."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkoXmj8OdS
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh2LenMvv1
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIZBTgsS6z
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlkP4WzE0w
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VvRhIm989
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q3WgzC03S
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNksO4xiywU
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOcNsafCcl
Giving up became more and more alluring.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSjkMwqGfw
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxkOytXzbI
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gFF1ezFxE
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7IbCF2pni
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8FIaLiVkO
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIJKWCygjr
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzY0o6TyQt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd3ab9UVBx
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFzWpIlHB3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7HiGnason
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUBEJUio89
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8FQ98XBoK
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVfUe2KnMv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRB7w0GFLD
"...Unless, of course."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJwyDgZrqk
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI3RwTgUiG
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRtJCVSGiF
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XBousZrKh
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhEdZk0SVx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz5pn96pWl
"I don't like what you're planning!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOsn6OpWQ5
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApkBNV39O7
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHClIdppYG
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s68YhZJ2L
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxLXy89n1w
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOEZ2kyOEt
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOXXcKtqjl
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsofIZ7kSUv
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZorlXCtdz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCv6XkSEZd
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcxFbsUu0I
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwvrhSHY3A
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–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq4u5MVSI0
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowIcKiXNpZ
**THUD**159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU3dme0epS
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPf4SF0P4p
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhggAo1UJ6P
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOYFSINAqV
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–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IXC60XXjv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgervPb3mBj
"--Hrk!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE9ooBCNWo
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsexDMlOFK
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG45f2oToP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnENjyy0ab
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tc18tDImo
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGX1FOsMbE
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDQaWkOt2Y
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyjapgcQg3
"This..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWveohNWeI7
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnPAY0CiEa
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4scEFcYcX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7td74w4J7
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp8ifeitVC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr4KO3bX9t
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMK9TEt2pz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzX82JD2j3
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjaWrwwXqL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIMLlNStyX
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWGzQqvvNA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A3k6d7ndR
"--sneaky!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu9E1zj378
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfQwgAo3pB
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9sXyJcAm5
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcDc9fOkTG
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tI2SStrHs
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4zEpx4PXP
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMAhfOy8BD
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dl4thBfdv
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa3nFL9dJp
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIaObzVTM5
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUgNjn4mlr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVZopa4qdg
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0t6ztsoQP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s5IH3CzPK
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4GKgoD9nY
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBSBrBKYHL
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE31y6mKzrx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWM44i0WKj
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl67hck7pb6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnSaiW1EXa
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0kJ3HNvQQ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJWY65CQD7
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEgGmu2rCM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEbIRNhmSY
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSVtxLnedj
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UKIjXbnF5
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AqacjDE4q
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAAE1Fl54Y
"I win, though–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWmoP6eAw9
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr0bZcApfd
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEhz8zh7W3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKcjUu9YLL
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAI6xVTfnAS
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7h1qTPcmF
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAMS5HYJiX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46Ua5t3PyM
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTg1Veikwu
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR7n8xyenn
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc91QVDuvd5
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdgxLygfQV
"Can't move your legs?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEy9ezRdsC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkPfzMGuy8
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8W9r2OhLP
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTDThY0ZNB
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXQG62A3qK
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bSHtWcq7u
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPcUvL1JNX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfnrXVQdLb
"Aren't you going to do something?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYz1eH5kjY
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKP8TUbHta
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp386AiwtB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FtGka2jlV
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcXeb3HOQC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3Awwl0s0f
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t8gk0hkUU
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgunPiW9Eah
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jsQDdGIef
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHefFn1o8FX
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–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDNl3zPJvX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpQhlz1KJK
**BOOM**159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XZpUnqYgw
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdAq4rQnQP
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa9Ik5GVXG
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UJ5QS16SC
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJmyPoZ0Ow
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbybL2xCwJO
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT9TbEe7DJ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW5djf4U3v
"--?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew2E9bn21c
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11xeAfJYIW
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn6Qp0x8Ig
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn1rZADOQs
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsqyNxNfWZ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bPYRbR4pq
"...Ehh."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVlqDQg4sg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yjiex2fzI
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GvGAbsviW
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4HRHim8En
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8UJGf42b1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAYUQBBzgr
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V14qH3EsA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjpo2rpQoG
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnvR6pzsoh
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUbHiyxmLw
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECvF1jWguU
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs1QNFnSIT
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTY9SWQujj
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUmlUdxCAH
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoJzTMgNm9
