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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ1XzfUT14
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRVXR0z1lN
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6TQQXvKMo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGXCO9UkCL
"Kid! Over here!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiTY242vfS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmFFjPYogQ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp3zDPJVQy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIPW6WlUnd
"Ya ready!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq9nIZg2rR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWSwhXZFoC
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2pmi147VQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDAKphuKIx
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkfzy3r6wm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe1TTLbEPO
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 place190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQChjH9o3oA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnjjgiT0QN
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1EwkTv7qn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aZ0qXBSF3
"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!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcRxEow4aA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zd2WhqGxp
YEAH!190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPhhSmntSD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFNNcRM5gr
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOgpy5bwoQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFUmVysdIu
"Ack!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8QHEQzQxu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnJxr836X3
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx854g66P1h
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YkKaYu7Q7
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvASCEFadOS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4gwpz0J5y
"R-Right!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT41ZHf1zXn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd3wiYT4xD
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aeqps0eWp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9oTYovovH
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBBgW1LTzA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqIO8WFbRh
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ480KN8ZxWU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IGTlbkBrq
"Crap!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n4FLEBHxG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8xx6IbSNn
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh1lUhrDB4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSj3bViud5
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaI3zPonaz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvHtcUzXaV
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7KVyiswhu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0luGUgWzgq
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtWBLQamPa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGfHYEOVTM
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxuiXZ6QjN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Utvvx81KC
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡathGWECuwW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVP1x6399w
"L-Lola!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz8Ph3apr4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuzcivB1dG
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKPC1bHlAF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRry3n6eV27
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVLvMysVDd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFH3bM97it
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKALfOI8eGR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok22d55CXk
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8ShV4O7UA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTU6Jwtkrj
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWqQSZDxzZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrBCYINuHl
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXBrxcXS7f
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIic4DGwr8v
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqbmv3YpOw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdpZzuOh6D
–
–
–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZANjZ1bW7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hvA69Os3l
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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T7vk12Hwm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzo97LXoNp
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9XMmAfJJq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgeLMTRGpx
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs70vGih5n4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeRpONeBTK
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YhNbNG8Zb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxPXKPMNMI
"Do you have something you want to say?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJCXbNhuyL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB09GSsxJQs
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd6B5zCNhe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cIWwRuM95
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAyjC6b8ru
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05n1wkSwgM
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWR3xloqDo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEru4wM3ehl
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnev1JFNpMD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zQ5KKYyPY
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoh205JAiG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD6wvx8SSN
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8JqkALKud
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7PTxLjhVW
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI9x5Rd4z0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8wQzHuGWS
"Call me Anima."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYewwsuJrR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Tb3h2B4fq
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijnIJQBUP0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rp2j32pOI
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiShchZiKI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt02SXwK1E
Then, the Harbinger dashed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjNEh45wW8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjYHKPdzsR
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXIPVOmfr6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5WtCxysFX
"Ngh!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04ZbZjuuLf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKkgUZmdv6
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEERLmsYiMi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaSfgJhQuu
**THUD**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzWcvaSP9K
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8JXSTmbzD
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvihZ90xGVZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrBBdRL5Ql
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGUiorukKR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaSic7bXPr
"--!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkPdlF4r8K
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gyTbkwOHE
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGVTjsauhu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNa4ipxr1L
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3wo5EZIk4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznY0l6FZO9
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbntHRBExds
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GjRbJn4bW
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMopxCEMNx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe8MaT63q8
She had hit a wall.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0GEGVYDh6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XnXj1rqKQ
"--!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TOuKzngxr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsKIKxhwF8
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZHmzoQDFr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLb0N9mpev
**CLING**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwOG3SQbXJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgMBYxRwJy
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8DnSID6ZG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLTCTTftUq
"Huh. I can't break free."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamlbbJGFcl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkrYLPSp2i
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmPW4oulpN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3iGnHGu2q
"--Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQfb8w3vFE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGqeNqSDZJ
"Caught you!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdexSrUrAxZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkwWzlQPD7
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuCfeAqiM4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo1zckSuj6
"You!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yhHyOlVIv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVyd0WggrP
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38t9Mehx21
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBagZTlHzMj
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xV7vtnZeI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcjEpJ9rEJ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9igHyzXW6d
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1JSjFUYEy
"Hrk!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrHnob5RV8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KcNCG5Mfi
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOoto1DWR6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD5ZtPwX7U
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiNpguqzSc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHBSjQRH2A
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QjAmdeEJZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxTXTbY2uS
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCQPvzMVNv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8pxnGtkyD
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiafXErBpw6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WUkmQHsTD
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3aoJbmZMf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYWgya1W5T
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgkk7Xvfsz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMbWs7kfnw
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNVXAA0CvN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD35cFPXWG
"...This is irritating."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF9Y6KrsoQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcTu9cQCWt
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gN9DHa6SF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91H5GjklZ4
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iTRnbiQHQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEcXfnHX3u
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos60ph8o4v
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h4k2aOwP2
Giving up became more and more alluring.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFstCnBXNjP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStwqGs1snO
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasLUWygoxr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KJgzD3AUu
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5Ml5sTgln
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs8YlbeHeB
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UwKoAEO61
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl47mfx7aSk
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo73qkXjNA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYRo66xyMi
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c9nrCG2Uw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsF2t9aRqE
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIzffatFMD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrProwIYQO8
"...Unless, of course."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDqE4L0xkJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2EpGldptp
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFSs7dCDFq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a6fU7Oq7N
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHXwqFjxX9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxcvkT6eLi
"I don't like what you're planning!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0EtXA5AQd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx87TSTOr1J
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ394aX14s7w
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhejq5Ype2
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvD32aMdQ4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR7ZhP1fhO
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4NsmxYFr6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgvrtvwKlu
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFczDRxkGZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCHtyBe0RC
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXtc1RUtl3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Sk972r8qw
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK0ppfJR0S
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f8Tafquof
**THUD**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZMkPU61R6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H3G2Ky9Z6
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCteF3x1Gx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp1MRm6MPq
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd5mux7B1D
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAU8CcgmKq
"--Hrk!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMDRI8qfOx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnEnS4Din4
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc3czbxQ3Q
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9IbHkHw5f
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOjONnX5gH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKA56M7NfO
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQRC6I2pKh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu7MOWDr7W
"This..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ulxhVtm6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPH6ImjSem
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxGn3IeYev
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNryn8tCBMB
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ030IW5536A
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqej3mddA8
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIBfHKLR5e
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHSfYnxQbM
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZLonbf86o
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCS1bq4KDn
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvdk75nFUu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5JXYy8I2P
"--sneaky!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbKIeZdxwa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvt9b39Jxw
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyi8rh25Dj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7S4N3F4l6
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvO45ULEr7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlcmxz7QfZ
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQfsT6VVB6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xdMYlvAYe
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SImW5lh2U
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB45rgnTpQp
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL4A5w19lM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAcN9Jzb5Y
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Nk6mGWcKh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxHrTnAhpR
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG0NLlC5Qi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGDbECgt9z
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUOxMvATeY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlUDFD5McQ
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt76zGQu8b
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINhM5IzuOF
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbiHQLZKJe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ySWojeYQY
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAm23EEqRz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqKkVBqhxv
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRvsziqBid
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KRIx8NqGP
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMrvBSWqHP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmPEJJ1da4
"I win, though–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpYuo9aiQB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZliZwZSHld
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK7jjJGK0V
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE06aKMEjS
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkcdyy0K7N
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0PvGWxY17
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iZwoWIGXr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPIyeVHmbp
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M5sa1R66d
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsQGj3UkjJ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BuwiEjl3K
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopO9xqKd8y
"Can't move your legs?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3FsHRzgi4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSkhDRuiQw
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE02M9y3EnZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWjCBzkM7O
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtTfK81ZL3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRiqoU2sjQ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVHE8mbnkE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomOFAof1CS
"Aren't you going to do something?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr6Lf5eLtS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHb0YnLXoR
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5aQuZz4Kd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eaQUOfL7l
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzkwvnNBKd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1sc2fn8rP
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBobE8chVM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep40LwCrH7
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLkpHmG7kQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiB2JUsJ60
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI43656mrlw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLbXkQwsfG
**BOOM**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG3xzr9Wut
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IYKRPxpUV
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVQat4hhkv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38BHkycrus
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv4ZWTFJ7s
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRiVb9VNO1
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVVRnKRAyc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPqT0u1hCr
"--?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0HfUt9BJh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7hAHG5gwD
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcJdYLRwUk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAtwbXkArx
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MondkhW5B
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qDVc0Brp0
"...Ehh."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCH2IJN5Qw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5xj6hyW03
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pABFgcbFX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TbUwwihfm
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5RxQNkdVb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuHBl3RDrs
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzc3iiIICp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWIWyLqYcn
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7Vjue3vPx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLYhWN9HTu
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PHJa10Gb8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaZiKiACWq
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzheSxzDTn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ot7AD4CUy
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8gnX9XAGk
