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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoOpJ8z8Ol
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQlqc3Ms5C
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn71KNf8PYt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsAXDGHc8N
"Kid! Over here!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9hSajxHPx
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5td3FVYwWC
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOEmQdQCdj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dXG0ypNP2
"Ya ready!?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06rcUvl0aK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJVjh4UmpM
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS2P7o0dax
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLKOvAijPR
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSXkBZcSek
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8C4kyZ3aw
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 place211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IFejioDWd
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7yyiLHnOh
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"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxRgZqdcxN
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfwaxaVCj3
YEAH!211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cDqbumEPl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNwddvhTrF
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKVcT7CDzj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboi4qyH38g
"Ack!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmc3H7IxXi
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsMMSN2AHu
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAvb45xh3b
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeHYllFQUg
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vkufVfdq4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jh1rK4iuk
"R-Right!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFl4F1QuFx
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5LwK8Gvr2
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6OtZVFWm6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3WpDSAYns
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsVA2zFmBf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2SX0UHs1m
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH3uAQXTsj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiD5usYXrb
"Crap!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2HTLfSUfQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yCXp203RQ
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cOnlVdKIi
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg62okXySJv
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv8OwEEU3E
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BbchbWY0X
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUsLx6rtzt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk54NBYYaXO
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2AasnriPz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqJfl91Zg7
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXjgLglDjx
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgPhFfZC2L
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5GwSVi7kX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq8WrIRb06
"L-Lola!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDuuaBJM0E
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWK6RjjiHq
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0G8GHjmy2
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OOpkEUR7l
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbHIlCE6XK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S5CjpEfBo
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn7gPnfRXV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KJ6JWevUg
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf3uzky5iD
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsoGjlK1i7
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqCfydvAzi
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5hV1mLulE
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60W0KIVmK7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGfBeMmlIb
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QUIqhfwuq
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–
–
–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBZQVIgrUR
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Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjncWIVaIpE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJw9aKZxgV
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtq2FVfg5C
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTDTtppevM
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxBEBKL4W0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM4BBC9zva
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbbAxj3Reb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsT8NTK2L5
"Do you have something you want to say?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4tllpnBF4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOrGTsehRu
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DikdcDZY7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe69vfhCYnl
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9czYoEFAP
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2bQUzVNif
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76BxRZQa5X
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzATmOR1sp
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1oAA5dgsD
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Gx42oUke
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnVyjUhJ08
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CdVgVGsF5
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45uWAe41Dt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1Le9JyodI
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxk8GfbL8T
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttRuCEAwWH
"Call me Anima."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoCOkBdjLt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRRBswsDnE
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOcr0TlfKn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPYFLubYxI
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZBgOcLiFE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsZKisJSqU
Then, the Harbinger dashed.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZoDGhQTLp
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TpeyXZd33
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0lIm9ZFs9
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBusk16gUS
"Ngh!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymnct2BIfV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTHbD9dCHB
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–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ltGWZbS52
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqMy7gJX5x
**THUD**211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ6lGI7fli
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She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy1HQ6ibMM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKo7K5RmBU
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRL85A877w
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bn2hPmv9S
"--!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr73UA8QuZ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoH97Tnhau
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuNCPA6uAl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKBXLayJTs
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqfdiOlEoi
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFIp7FUOY4
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScIbvRH8tV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImbGB4TEq5
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1wD6XapNn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXxQ19PD3w
She had hit a wall.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf5RqDjpaX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9MRigb8IV
"--!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJkx4ZGHFU
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBKM8AVzZk
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–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqiRVYzjFN
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXzgleAIxc
**CLING**211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0tNeeIdMv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixm5Zp9wAi
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJBuZY848G
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TkB53NvvI
"Huh. I can't break free."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s9qnWcuB8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRMHzDbWZn
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZMgyR0bhl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtho8yu2Yom
"--Huh?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr0H9ipzTH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTdiuCEkBk
"Caught you!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8KSR3ags1
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxthC9Fikzk
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsLXNKY5hK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnpgfDxAYg
"You!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkZmBdYqSp
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDwaWVPHbu
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrv4l7s7Dq
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzpDLXow22
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekhJ83HZJi
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWu4iguRb1
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KqkvfBEvM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzV0a5DWD5
"Hrk!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv9JN4GMUU
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtECbxzW25
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gw8FJJPlY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6D0w7v7mc
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce0Kc4OSRa
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbY1ANpXqs
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GXwNRSiiP
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3S0NXPycU
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF0y1uwHVj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WRvN83qNZ
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuQoQJZXm6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzzQJBDOLn
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFwQbC5h8G
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqmOtkTBK0
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp7VzuDIdE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmvvmvMJ5g
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqwmXEosy6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuma9ox8dP
"...This is irritating."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaydbTuFJdO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZS5eWEooq
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX30w4lcyrH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWyLxJc32x
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTVbRTNNmm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMA3cQUVQg
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOKzkiPMpF
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Giving up became more and more alluring.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8TrSzv9lM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAYONmdra5
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0NzpLLJAO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ExHU4yljU
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hn6BmyoVv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxJZRhuKUl
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s7UaJ3ueF
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wnqsvQXIQ
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAndmkWErA
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo9qKA8YAr
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuKL5jTPqI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3BfGRSLlX
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoq8qdjAAr
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbIuaB82Q4
"...Unless, of course."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcFQMIYo74
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsRR49YoRl
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUrXqwM818
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTan5Aqt5B
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm8y3pipFm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOQbZEL8ey
"I don't like what you're planning!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJitFYCiF5g
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvWK7zaSCk
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdZu78uBn4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrscA199kS8
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqRSxhVYAd
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaAgiJrFLR
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaO5QBR7u0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAiRGnT9xt
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDC32dnZmd
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpg0bXBH62
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP0RsvHBcS
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YxTz059ee
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–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4PZDiU9Vn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3JNbFWapm
**THUD**211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XNJfxHCS5
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUh4CXJFQk
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhj3SKiig3
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBYj8VZH3j
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–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzQ6tn5Bdz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulBgYRfaRx
"--Hrk!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1ylXs6YJe
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVQ6BjIdjk
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oYyU41KsR
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P8uF5yhPA
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3fXuIyACH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInIqgx2glg
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0LO3c0Ov4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMcJapL3l1
"This..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UUCw7B52c
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VBlaOXJxv
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm6BBJBavx
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq92QHklwYL
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5MWgY67sg
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd20rmESdp
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zsNZ0gy9c
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD6VE6HGzU
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpA0FLR6co
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9K3xoeUtT
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK3D5f92Ty
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnVPdN2vQ2
"--sneaky!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFxiu0D0z9
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAvTWHNFyj
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfGPrT4WUH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg3qt4o4IY
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1c00soYXX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh7x3vDGWT
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJPsRUpfuN
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fF1pHETyA
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XytSYaz2z
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqjcuoK3HV
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkjLGniIox
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4yNRHjB8a
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vuJKdfAnY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmlk41YzfU
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYhTmcfNr4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb0UHowrmE
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHGhJtSKTz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA65Bjuc8H
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH0DdDhoHR
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6vuIGotI7
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOjKCUsycd
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVdgAzoCjB
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfPRDyrUIh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJzbOQ0Wj4
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgYTjxrRTQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCm0aUQuBCY
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRP5auTNv9
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgVNjh5Afk
"I win, though–"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJj9oDr9Z7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkILbTixUOJ
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMKTkydBzJ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAOfOcuNgd
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC8OpYowEm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz10pZuDRq
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyloTTXV9q
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoNM3lefaU
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1y2Tbn6z7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9k1PCrFUN
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwVIRB49O2
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx3m2CJ8WY
"Can't move your legs?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zmdHzITNf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5JBmm7UEa
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rHmdVplPT
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbBr9Yxrh7
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPcgGD1gWu
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0CssOvWpv
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCe9owtvZb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpJy567dKl
"Aren't you going to do something?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxi49vJYuo
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWmuq68HMo
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzp9xD5Utf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WIgjSKLCO
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YiqnCIL63
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFyg6P1AVb
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmemamzf4Qg
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZipkDSc6uq
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm5hKQwqnv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8qIOwPKKJ
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–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FdDTpV59F
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwv7dNO3gP
**BOOM**211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkB9EaQplE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO8PBUqPMJ
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTeUHUyEoo
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsCUnisiUq
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81fontqeaz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeNMptMcWL
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo8oqoLcv4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdfab94HMf
"--?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTyIw80NxO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqFpMXZB70
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13cNyqslOR
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX32uFazpch
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q9XaIZWyt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuc70N1WYb
"...Ehh."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODwJnbgSQG
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2C1yMKfBu
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCRIYrH9yk
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerPEFXDfov
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCtbXdfBVe
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4vjtK78Wc
"..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTikAXfPeHC
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ml9FIS0ys
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIks6HepXva
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYKJlSmFqF
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYPy7jEjQu
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowU8lafyrW
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hGSdmeTwp
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pxeYheXFN
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ALCuJCcb4
