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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAAyDc9Oka8w
276Please respect copyright.PENANAIRWoCLhUu6
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAkF9AQ0dpWS
276Please respect copyright.PENANAS5yxDQMSiB
"Kid! Over here!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAoJgF8bK2wv
276Please respect copyright.PENANAqVEl4v1rVC
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANACF9UMZgMVH
276Please respect copyright.PENANA1Zqc8VDWn9
"Ya ready!?"276Please respect copyright.PENANADwppr7CLbn
276Please respect copyright.PENANAqKPukRyU6s
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAt7NoJbZmQu
276Please respect copyright.PENANAgzhLlfGpX3
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA294UkaK2B5
276Please respect copyright.PENANAzyv1I2Kuey
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 place276Please respect copyright.PENANAbHHBkAHwHN
276Please respect copyright.PENANAYPQEvMIbBB
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.276Please respect copyright.PENANAvt4Xugjowz
276Please respect copyright.PENANAEucw0YNZuL
"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!?"276Please respect copyright.PENANA09Mm0AgNtO
276Please respect copyright.PENANA2IcqmkA07X
YEAH!276Please respect copyright.PENANAObm3D0GvUN
276Please respect copyright.PENANAOJFLfO9MNZ
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAjU4rKJVF9P
276Please respect copyright.PENANA8eo1lBj6P9
"Ack!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAP2Cuco7aQw
276Please respect copyright.PENANAxz4AMM9NK8
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.276Please respect copyright.PENANADVEREost6L
276Please respect copyright.PENANARTMwxuNIMu
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"276Please respect copyright.PENANA3piydIaSX5
276Please respect copyright.PENANAlIZLzM4DKk
"R-Right!"276Please respect copyright.PENANA7ME6CKAnDx
276Please respect copyright.PENANAtSwtFVu6bN
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAW7V9DYplYO
276Please respect copyright.PENANAJDmguQe37n
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."276Please respect copyright.PENANAK9DVwxPPzz
276Please respect copyright.PENANA2pQcG2yH4D
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.276Please respect copyright.PENANAODxh31nFaU
276Please respect copyright.PENANA0r8lakNgy9
"Crap!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAJv1ijdhbzq
276Please respect copyright.PENANAaT3P18Ewqg
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANADKXOoqbuJS
276Please respect copyright.PENANAB2kMBhOF81
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.276Please respect copyright.PENANA9zy7ji1Cl9
276Please respect copyright.PENANAydy24Dftrh
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."276Please respect copyright.PENANAShQIaSCadI
276Please respect copyright.PENANATojDFeFoL0
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAcEfaI2Udks
276Please respect copyright.PENANA44774zI1Cb
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.276Please respect copyright.PENANAFoipNxXodi
276Please respect copyright.PENANAWlyVd2y7du
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."276Please respect copyright.PENANAbzR7Lwo3cv
276Please respect copyright.PENANAoKFIemcee5
"L-Lola!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAkq8GudhcQw
276Please respect copyright.PENANA0XKJyU9HkH
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.276Please respect copyright.PENANAcCw1d5XEJT
276Please respect copyright.PENANAZrJbgUTx9e
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"276Please respect copyright.PENANALR75Y1953O
276Please respect copyright.PENANAtiBOUsYoJZ
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA4SkQq3v0Ud
276Please respect copyright.PENANAOWEEGcYwUT
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"276Please respect copyright.PENANAgNz95v8XVg
276Please respect copyright.PENANAI59IQ87SZq
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."276Please respect copyright.PENANA9aJPKMuYED
276Please respect copyright.PENANAO5CQJQ84bL
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA80ApINKh9l
276Please respect copyright.PENANAHArCo1vIv8
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.276Please respect copyright.PENANAN4pvEBapT8
276Please respect copyright.PENANAmwvAgE6FgI
–
–
–276Please respect copyright.PENANAsw1hsDBI0A
276Please respect copyright.PENANAYiKqacQDGj
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?"276Please respect copyright.PENANACauCqZrFDC
276Please respect copyright.PENANAnZpPxXo5vN
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAW36F1hwJdA
276Please respect copyright.PENANAAkTgcF9Mu5
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.276Please respect copyright.PENANALicuILFrtf
276Please respect copyright.PENANAMg1jiqcvrJ
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANATM5VCjI4HD
276Please respect copyright.PENANAzi6StuqpNn
"Do you have something you want to say?"276Please respect copyright.PENANA3aFfYCgBsK
276Please respect copyright.PENANAupAqE64Gt8
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.276Please respect copyright.PENANAVOqrxkkx5n
276Please respect copyright.PENANAVl85R7xs7O
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."276Please respect copyright.PENANAiRAYF9noAU
276Please respect copyright.PENANAxA0NCrXsCL
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."276Please respect copyright.PENANAgqStlXQKw1
276Please respect copyright.PENANA4Das3u1y7U
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."276Please respect copyright.PENANA0RK9twyTGu
276Please respect copyright.PENANA6rIsxSlNzI
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA0yjPkTIBHD
276Please respect copyright.PENANA5PPMk1v9H1
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."276Please respect copyright.PENANA3KyY2EuoXY
276Please respect copyright.PENANAOSt5dlIfXa
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.276Please respect copyright.PENANAzKDQVGOWvU
276Please respect copyright.PENANAIBZncCfgVa
"Call me Anima."276Please respect copyright.PENANAlnz27pRjyR
276Please respect copyright.PENANAH7rg4E3phK
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAOvrODN4nqb
276Please respect copyright.PENANAMfSU0JWOPd
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.276Please respect copyright.PENANApzpdCjvFB5
276Please respect copyright.PENANAWEwrey84AR
Then, the Harbinger dashed.276Please respect copyright.PENANAyP12lMaN6k
276Please respect copyright.PENANAglyBbWgnWA
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAiiKWrq5MQU
276Please respect copyright.PENANATS89bCYwHP
"Ngh!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAUTPExmue9r
276Please respect copyright.PENANA1H1uO5FU81
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–276Please respect copyright.PENANAhaZjjFiqXe
276Please respect copyright.PENANAIWyw0ObspR
**THUD**276Please respect copyright.PENANAphut4v12QC
276Please respect copyright.PENANArXI7ROHKR8
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAZFbYH5gKQb
276Please respect copyright.PENANAk2WfgzPg9j
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA8VMvtWseem
276Please respect copyright.PENANArmqDAXkif4
"--!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAWoUeUGjeUp
276Please respect copyright.PENANAZVyjp0iafR
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.276Please respect copyright.PENANAIp5yFgq3wr
276Please respect copyright.PENANA4wHeDqt6WX
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."276Please respect copyright.PENANAbr1WssqqsI
276Please respect copyright.PENANAE4fUgnKtPx
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA50IWnyFVtm
276Please respect copyright.PENANAQs7zT68qHD
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAdaB7RZr29V
276Please respect copyright.PENANAgOEJINY7TF
She had hit a wall.276Please respect copyright.PENANAgvtmCR1qvP
276Please respect copyright.PENANAQJXz8SrO5N
"--!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAPpm93bRfet
276Please respect copyright.PENANAUHYl3ftjD4
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–276Please respect copyright.PENANAzwue7A3Xii
276Please respect copyright.PENANAddmsdJfh4U
**CLING**276Please respect copyright.PENANAxSCDsBvGUU
276Please respect copyright.PENANAJAPIlW1V2I
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANABrY1KkOnSh
276Please respect copyright.PENANAbC9kAvn497
"Huh. I can't break free."276Please respect copyright.PENANAVrK4ZfL6kz
276Please respect copyright.PENANAeQOYEQQmmP
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAT9UqdYqPT9
276Please respect copyright.PENANADRBKpN99zI
"--Huh?"276Please respect copyright.PENANA4qE3VIVyOo
276Please respect copyright.PENANAoiu1KGBCdE
"Caught you!"276Please respect copyright.PENANACEbtACgHal
276Please respect copyright.PENANAlunHPISpDC
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAYzFahsBuHB
276Please respect copyright.PENANA4Y0jJqkNMv
"You!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAGz3pJRVNiQ
276Please respect copyright.PENANAalmrKqkciX
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAokrrQZSCak
276Please respect copyright.PENANAHcGxhJasTX
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAfxNXl1mjSw
276Please respect copyright.PENANAQFZ6RKzMme
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA3yxWBSPVZE
276Please respect copyright.PENANAb2umQyz33M
"Hrk!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAsOqvVxbGv9
276Please respect copyright.PENANAxiL3TtmTWS
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA7mJX1PcTXU
276Please respect copyright.PENANAyhfsHsKKvp
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAKuEZ8FJQYL
276Please respect copyright.PENANAsRZLM360Ai
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAIgseg5veRo
276Please respect copyright.PENANAPuKfKcr3Kl
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAcYsNrdeIbs
276Please respect copyright.PENANAEPrIRVTuaU
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAiIucD6Z7ro
276Please respect copyright.PENANA66k0TrMwA4
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAuoMRZA7K86
276Please respect copyright.PENANAu7y5pp4d7D
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAaivf6oAnqO
276Please respect copyright.PENANA9bGB1CjGro
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.276Please respect copyright.PENANAhMl75V8oG4
276Please respect copyright.PENANA6683Gg2xIU
"...This is irritating."276Please respect copyright.PENANAy1Aci6VOHP
276Please respect copyright.PENANAoL4H8Tub8W
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAjEs3u3MZsz
276Please respect copyright.PENANAHibuU6wMzA
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAS9my5OOn2E
276Please respect copyright.PENANANSrnakLNim
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAS6RWiXeSJt
276Please respect copyright.PENANAesbMW2RuN2
Giving up became more and more alluring.276Please respect copyright.PENANACd6s2vxclc
276Please respect copyright.PENANAU1Xcv4yQrt
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."276Please respect copyright.PENANAH2Gb3AahgB
276Please respect copyright.PENANAvo91yTOXtJ
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."276Please respect copyright.PENANAWPUcOnFNOC
276Please respect copyright.PENANAJbjs9QDvVV
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.276Please respect copyright.PENANAdAvk7UlYd7
276Please respect copyright.PENANAfnopFhScm3
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAUnseAqtiWS
276Please respect copyright.PENANAT1XH65o71b
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANACLdO1EVDmx
276Please respect copyright.PENANAmCkOlSQw1Z
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAdLaOGRz5tn
276Please respect copyright.PENANAHELahhYMkG
"...Unless, of course."276Please respect copyright.PENANAFJVTQKEYlO
276Please respect copyright.PENANAAnLT5RekdB
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA734BdKCWMJ
276Please respect copyright.PENANAi01QJbzsjp
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.276Please respect copyright.PENANAEqZCtMslNn
276Please respect copyright.PENANAEYRJrxntmU
"I don't like what you're planning!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAG0DZQIPjeO
276Please respect copyright.PENANAxnKuX00Zwt
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAaQva6JccBu
276Please respect copyright.PENANAjAX7neRho6
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAmKjLi7lzBt
276Please respect copyright.PENANAmltnxRjYsB
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA2qM3P2uhjv
276Please respect copyright.PENANAE2DidBPScQ
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAgZyiQ5Orwm
276Please respect copyright.PENANAGTClItQt2q
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAaKfJX2d4cU
276Please respect copyright.PENANAEqprdkAomw
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–276Please respect copyright.PENANAvJKh8sR6nZ
276Please respect copyright.PENANAxsKeMdmyd8
**THUD**276Please respect copyright.PENANAE4ZDo4NUUH
276Please respect copyright.PENANARImXxiNuSU
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAI7DeHnO8LL
276Please respect copyright.PENANA0iocd75zau
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–276Please respect copyright.PENANAf8wrLr8VtA
276Please respect copyright.PENANA1lI3SqsVLE
"--Hrk!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAgJ2XvvrmLx
276Please respect copyright.PENANAdgWdVJZaZt
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.276Please respect copyright.PENANA5n7KsDx2j4
276Please respect copyright.PENANA6SPuGlo4iP
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAw1N6D6oViX
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAQt2Q8crtZi
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"This..."276Please respect copyright.PENANAKYtKLGKcKo
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She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.276Please respect copyright.PENANAOKYDJi5uHv
276Please respect copyright.PENANA1J44wRMJdh
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA163Li606hZ
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"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"276Please respect copyright.PENANAkUW1pquMxc
276Please respect copyright.PENANAFERP7VgX1C
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA9VIAHh4DC2
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The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.276Please respect copyright.PENANAn4N9Qg8fPA
276Please respect copyright.PENANAeHIjfM8Pzm
"--sneaky!"276Please respect copyright.PENANA2sKKV8rh3H
276Please respect copyright.PENANAQJIdeUd6LN
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAd6VYlnpGBt
276Please respect copyright.PENANAxWKoJG3keD
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAlmXsAGC1Ow
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Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.276Please respect copyright.PENANAh6WhBUi8Lx
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAYFx77M1Yr4
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA7IMBXAo8my
276Please respect copyright.PENANAkS4jy2GYpy
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.276Please respect copyright.PENANAwFWMnPx07m
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...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...276Please respect copyright.PENANApFA8lpsaUG
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAP9SqG8vEPl
276Please respect copyright.PENANAM1uQmX8InS
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.276Please respect copyright.PENANAgFga0XYcKp
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANALHeeydfBdF
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So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–276Please respect copyright.PENANAL8UVFQaIQU
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"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."276Please respect copyright.PENANA6Ysa6eplTq
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Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.276Please respect copyright.PENANADFepNMYKAD
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"I win, though–"276Please respect copyright.PENANAPpZbVaXffX
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Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.276Please respect copyright.PENANAvMO7wM9lkI
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANA973eRnzIdK
276Please respect copyright.PENANA09BWj2kmuM
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.276Please respect copyright.PENANARY3jtzsA3N
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"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"276Please respect copyright.PENANAHU5EnaUHAw
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAd9AnaSiEbN
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"Can't move your legs?"276Please respect copyright.PENANAwdFu45a5ib
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"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."276Please respect copyright.PENANAYUM9wlr83F
276Please respect copyright.PENANArJgpUfF2uf
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"276Please respect copyright.PENANAUasg8jSyyN
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAR1WM5bkRWH
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"Aren't you going to do something?"276Please respect copyright.PENANAkkt6gq9tdA
276Please respect copyright.PENANA3lIY74Riba
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."276Please respect copyright.PENANAPBUGsOpF8D
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAjLzueL0ns9
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It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.276Please respect copyright.PENANAMdB1bv9oEQ
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.276Please respect copyright.PENANAN9zlkZuEUy
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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–276Please respect copyright.PENANAaQOmz7XyI4
276Please respect copyright.PENANAJ3cH3XWZ1Y
**BOOM**276Please respect copyright.PENANADTwa6Ige9o
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANARRL8dfiPxw
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAnbuP7vg9I7
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"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."276Please respect copyright.PENANAyYf4wxIbGa
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"--?"276Please respect copyright.PENANAWqbt3HbokF
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"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."276Please respect copyright.PENANAouBz0E8wyI
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAXWjA7cagQV
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"...Ehh."276Please respect copyright.PENANA8H1OfPtHLC
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She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.276Please respect copyright.PENANAWiYdNA9Ax0
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Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.276Please respect copyright.PENANANjILBJPVYc
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"..."276Please respect copyright.PENANAjDAVGgzCTH
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.276Please respect copyright.PENANAKgsWev3GqA
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"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."276Please respect copyright.PENANAhKt52wcqHU
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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.276Please respect copyright.PENANAlavWfVocQH
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A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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