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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqnZnWvwsg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiBACtkJJM
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMmHgZULPv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7owLJY3mr
"Kid! Over here!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECzGHz1KRV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwfZc4wihA
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2yzLOuq7O
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh8x6iPpI3
"Ya ready!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCkAw7YziR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bADYehTBd
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTVkzXzPSf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRRNL0Fay4
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOffFfAl2t
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKMZSE2sSc
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 place158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiERe5zM3xk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7WphnIDOb
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBvG0jGRs6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUip91oWhpD
"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!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIQ4aUm4T1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk6RA9j6A3
YEAH!158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YdQK89zN2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhDqgDjPUx
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcYDV9V2Lm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJsVPiXJys
"Ack!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUwfI1tS4i
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA6u4AZvpJ
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQtqasiu35
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyGDwOnGRK
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlmpthrwsw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsXGe67id7
"R-Right!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nDgbaq0NB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZGaCqWgQ5
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6dkHvjd6Q
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwPy1zSLxF
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx2T2a7x4y
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fNHBTKAgO
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2xRGEupwS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81P9M8dP4V
"Crap!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzVQG0wGsl
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0X9dxupVp
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlbx2yi3Q2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJoAVjGH38
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7bPfmqbCb
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYerzmkAnxi
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyCO0rh8Ax
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMaAo5wLGh
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeOIdRCtJ0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvOfkgC6Oq
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNBEin6jHk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UjNsTcTvo
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBtQyT6NSp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bP5jwkjKZ
"L-Lola!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6hXvWzgaH
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBKuhECBX0
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMWZxqAuFv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu07NIjJBq
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsKuxl0xPF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoTvSeSLYa
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ7cSimZRq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KteeyMOzp
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvi9HbO7KL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ259FUjMe
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmepgZn8akG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdPp330vnd
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bKuCm3inh
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0GIVXZnnV
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDDc8clwor
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzszwjUG5Y
–
–
–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJzRaARRwV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwY5xgt8sd
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?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FUodX3dlj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7knkWhjUs
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueJPwjrXC4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kcdwQiHr2
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPACAi824qg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtfewPjaL0
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVgrnsnYXq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG1IvufPMn
"Do you have something you want to say?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbztfDwug9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS40TZ478u
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz0ZwBYt0Y
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCbf49eRWP
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgiarEEKRO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8mjesKtuK
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpF9wa3Gns
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktcEslkKue
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLDW7uQ2LL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiofcyhLd2
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciXQoHyO0r
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpUOPBxf3p
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyAhPnsvy9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDeK0L518k
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9DkxuOYbf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrr0twuZ9e
"Call me Anima."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnBk3qeYiP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIF4etdA1B
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsCVoF7rrJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cKJf3DcGS
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQ1N3zGLHv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WPQQaAxNk
Then, the Harbinger dashed.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4XWodTVhk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqte0ZDplFm
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYYRStGWWt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0H0hGlRbe
"Ngh!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1aKWCJbT7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIgSiiS1G2
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–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYlfdJKu12
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy3PXcHHei
**THUD**158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyx9FYHx9E
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUlIWLCfZl
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyMyNChm8y
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5DocJCJDs
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCrVipRVMe
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2naHjDnAE
"--!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2kKr6ns2T
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDi4mScQz0
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tPdc3j0Ry
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ4IiyFSfQ
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaVlRMicDX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zxZ9NWVfm
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMkCPl4Spv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ4nfUlzCU
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhTUhrCy4f
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSbRyJg8BH
She had hit a wall.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnkEu9vAUN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5q2MCKkcV
"--!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNe0TX9ypO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkycguWlpI
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–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDkYNhM7q8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0OZWdwiwc
**CLING**158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhft8fn8mHg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVTW8FXXnn
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uLW80amTs
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHdRvs3RUI
"Huh. I can't break free."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G1phN574O
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSFMhQ3puZ
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D0rUrmlB5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaGnfN8wEe
"--Huh?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZSzRnZbiV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgxsYyqOBD
"Caught you!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImmzWM1MF6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr74pUrcvc
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK8yFGz3rq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQgoyyhRep
"You!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uVx1l8BrP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgcMabJ9Eg
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW7wwNXKf8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSBHTiEev9
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvnElKfIzQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm2HGbHeV6
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiWH5R5Uaz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCITGogD7RF
"Hrk!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRqYmbN3UB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWLKkq9aUH
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdRevUMKmR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fBgRzqGpN
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpLr7uCEiE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLILLE1pun
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ThE9wphEX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBxRroTcaO
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA5YRIJYjx
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMDWCq6MM7
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMGTdOkS5P
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvFraOoWJt
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAmykfwi53
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtw4sCSP2l
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStWAxGfope
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtBYYrilzY
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloXdI0DZNL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRgrVqpE9F
"...This is irritating."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjMHreW3Fu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GCtBn1cbk
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYe7BOVGtR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkRPC0kQkC
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcU4MQcV8c
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVSRbN1HjQ
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN8hpsU2zf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8STLmKSfb
Giving up became more and more alluring.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPhBNYDen8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV03O1I23tf
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfoMboHJXU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8Rq50uQNN
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi37BfR0I2N
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhsCaUiBnS
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksi5rgWehf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6LtS1fPPo
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS4ohpgUEJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0exgq1J5Mk
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4N5PoN9jd
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLczNxoJaDr
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUOtGaGhnx
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNcnaPy3xL
"...Unless, of course."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXSJWTelZX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEA3DXmFaK
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML8eECFFoP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRqBX07ZXp
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBSEi8KckH
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXpx9X3JqJ
"I don't like what you're planning!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbQ0pHB3Fu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu07Mracmp
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZ5GRH5RY1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3DP8tbQAX
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQHP6HSi5P
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8nhek0OW3
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0ke7jvmT8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohOLHcT7qv
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjVybkvv3v
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9sJjF7amQ
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GeJUFvSny
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r9bXmEB85
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–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVbwODF3g5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oE09NZU1X
**THUD**158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKMCUAlpcC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmxsU0DbGw
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQdXxkGoaN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDhHVY6kOO
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–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUkv9X0nEH
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnalEPpkGo
"--Hrk!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEbqObiIch
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hhMpygtAV
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBr9JlheRR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMBURjSq9D
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtquSXMcSYG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcKC66z3Ii
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYty3E3Yq4D
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr3NoNxxPg
"This..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bgbXuvp5T
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFYUYumlR5
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYljaICQ2j5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTdbXYJTmc
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62w5lAACk0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAQ4N9l8mV
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihTj3UZBWH
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw2PXBZM1V
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXavYokRmlR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1gF4t0X5p
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSniNGFKKOS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTppx0UdTH
"--sneaky!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA7vJvZZ18
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsJwlzDEE9
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbtX0tQFAB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCzOJfzD6u
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDefftmTR86
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrBRWXpeOm
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH2YWKRXVp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v807h0cje
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcOrvRcERj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecymG8q0ar
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWN0sbCfXN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPKUxtTZlD
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH3NxSLOJS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYjyM2wMlC
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8uKQUHzB0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC6RMRAiC0
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY50nvafco9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QrvFDgrzj
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6wDQyey9q
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXWkURuw7w
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVzsa9RybO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnve96CfDJ
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgfYR0uXs7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBYaWZdMc2
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSGtyyk9MI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBFCSsansd
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaUTtCwCPF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ5pwmHpbg
"I win, though–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNPtyPB0EA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJvFCZiU8q
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILniYwCpq9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOFQLL9mpe
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab38jNmrCu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz1QpvJj2s
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U5lSyTZtM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eYSuEG206
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I996fLKPZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbezyuBnJTF
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodkQ987DTj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvBg8fj9Yj
"Can't move your legs?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQNAoWipyF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8B89wknvu
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYMNjZu1mQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJexZ81sAR
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPogDjrOdrE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc72Yn8ou1
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X3Yy0D3fM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUtfH7NKrP
"Aren't you going to do something?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFvlJXfg5U
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarGCZ2bora
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxanmKAOk3
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rnuGBEdeS
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfFq7gcMwv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeABVebvRG6
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZnGln1yIX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcYwINpGi5
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5D1ggwnDa
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbyJX0sDPy
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–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxierIMY5u
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffYhoGuzTK
**BOOM**158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgtUHzHyTa
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYg9wFTpxM
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCudREnH6FO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtClHXm8mn
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFLLWuKbaT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcLMStPqmg
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLsf5z79mi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0nCdjtJ3o
"--?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcUblLy9O9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhKogVtMrC
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONn6Sh4kyn
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfEFVxi64S
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsrKR2XVFp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HlWVXE6Se
"...Ehh."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg46F6LOMK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwacvPckit7
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIZ1286dmq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65bzkj95CZ
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDWxuM9ZM4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcDQSIgacI
"..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1RKdjcAoV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7DhpBVOyw
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyvyXyVwSw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECF2is33B0
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6KOSAe0aV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGyDgPN06T
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OQ3Cks6zi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o4efoqMSA
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnUqiAcjDm
