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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV6nFgugYa
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEN1GsdgWn
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEHH5emYnp
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wOhNoqtTj
"Kid! Over here!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLZb5rhZdM
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE18ZRL3Bj
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjCQwKMihO
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQGAAv2Z4a
"Ya ready!?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXNogccY0X
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8vRn94Kgh
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd0JkWBfnm
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6jQkm1VQ5
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXY4zZHXew
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbvZvKOLhg
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 place239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXNFjaM2uD
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMplAIxkEC
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDzX0W9aaK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y1Ap5hajp
"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!?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIYw4ZZPhK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMX6IYjtDA
YEAH!239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVN0EtI6aR
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmmWbQCCM4
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjtudcO7ZN
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7eWE3sygy
"Ack!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHPEV2rV35
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkR9Fs1pwu
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQnG0oUPo7
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DEOVrFbXJ
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vf8m0ja9i
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SyREaUuo5
"R-Right!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6Ojzdi9aJ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOv65O7Spt
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRTU6CXNlq
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLkwh8H15r
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeFalXHulB
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkKCUmkXF6
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogq6mz1kq1
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmcPto0K7Y
"Crap!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMQOzYtJuY
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6QT7LUlPW
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDIxGhPkuV
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7oKeAKLjZ
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rLdcnWRV6
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4US4dx8Gv
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8toFcVw5tq
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr8KLPdgtc
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD9rsBsxBT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWaL7Pwhhx
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFwaK0w8yi
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ694mL9SOmY
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1cagS6OYc
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7nKzwTKYY
"L-Lola!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U7Xk22rRX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdylEGHQ5tP
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RFh5oUGiN
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrn1kPmW1W
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYH4mwQUVa
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcGwkwkFuB
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZlUHzvxuB
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu5l2HT4Y5
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP4hkS2atS
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSHUpbjfFb
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8szgqcqMFN
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkpcoUqI8I
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVLqw1BR5r
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG78jyxrbe1
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaN8yjalXU
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Bi6OswqeL
–
–
–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Z24Xrf6g
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WeckfDVck
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?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTXh6snJKL
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91Xh8O6ETv
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotYn0WXRZP
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph2htEeUBU
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZam4PQ9PIy
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UrBHI045Y
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfCmmOiL1C
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt0OxB69r8
"Do you have something you want to say?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs7oXDcuKH
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iGScUImz3
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3thBMNsDvw
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28kcyJHQv2
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD9hKWQ1TN
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkfQgXkzQj
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipp9rgM7nq
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU07eutN9na
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO12GtUoiI
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvnNc5oKlr
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpaISOESv3
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VZpXJ6XBb
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRxwVdDiFh
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQh6kulzoo
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8NW8fwteM
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPALJWzpjQV
"Call me Anima."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXhAf86GlI
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkCfkDkY5h
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EL1VH1R7H
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KT2wNpWDd
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEgLjIxcjQ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpxCaXBSgH
Then, the Harbinger dashed.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxIAlr83z0
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK7T2cXU9f
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RTe3TkgYE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HtHlAdOM2
"Ngh!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVWW9Ft5Gi
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO5sBM5F0P
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–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW6apkaf13
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGjhYdUhsE
**THUD**239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWzdEJigzI
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB3Qmfk1uA
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitjPPCkLns
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaUmL8zmz7
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNXGHU3vrE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDfdTRfIaU
"--!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL7wDMtEPA
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOLxcLgQV8
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvKz6wSDaB
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxNIevvHTe
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbPj86lObr
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn1rvOY3Je
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjjG98jvEb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR21EiFcHka
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkiH5VaNQj
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3IwNwUgIj
She had hit a wall.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf6AYcgcTU
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMTyaz8lKS
"--!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQA5KYqJVO
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb0jS7xbfs
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–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ9mFqK4Re
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy4viEQNG3
**CLING**239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFCC3wsA5A
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrNcMo9TtK
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsR7j30KbW
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCscX3bZIZ
"Huh. I can't break free."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYqmWEEu6E
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfFEDctmai
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZNBubw7xb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVFlUUJ1U8
"--Huh?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemZAvPifSj
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCja7nKgjo
"Caught you!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4TwPPQKhx
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91KfcM1oEn
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyOyJBNu7p
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsch3mVXua
"You!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqSk7buWmz
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsIdbAwyvH
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc7dlzQKMn
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuae1CHyoQ
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAdfmDYku0
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8AE9ahyC6
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZWy4T4r9e
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QczhRqunw
"Hrk!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T0UDEhc8Z
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgeNmCbS6d
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzBWt358Lo
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk6nSDyYBb
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ALQvIauLG
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqomEH5wDN
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TzdmrL0rd
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB7Yv1ZTpJ
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb66ZhzC37k
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGMkl31x3G
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsbgNVCUwj
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmrMnil1uI
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlkn1ElfuF
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15rRGGDouM
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLNqFOVVSv
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SZnguARMS
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK03iuiwF8
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWuvwfsRjK
"...This is irritating."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqukQLFgSdp
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgp6YiC7VM
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo87pRJU02Z
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgspcpJ9oqa
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ213giSaPZl
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiNTRvX2Sx
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ION50geju
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbCrLfK5YC
Giving up became more and more alluring.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwbY10JqWA
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNbgVxmP1L
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uDXEhuQkR
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxf5gc7LBc
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJgyvpYykE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasxAIj2ZPh
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFojBTmblCU
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo1xQ3U9Lu
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOirKwF4Edz
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpec9q3Zoue
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj4HzXeLY3
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yGqwmlyI6
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIjkGigxAz
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlOnxP2E70
"...Unless, of course."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOANtunAAmJ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqzbdTYTDP
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UTnTa3p45
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwW00XZfKr
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT4i6nlTwu
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRNOnhFUB9
"I don't like what you're planning!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIL4X0bUma
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs1leTPc0H
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljQyU5W2vO
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVozVdEB1bo
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXIQtYwGcX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7Tn6dwj88
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QCBmD8Aoo
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk8CGt629d
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf1KBqpq2M
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNsStWG529
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pp62yNHXN
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36FP1th5Z1
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–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ20IbCs7Pm
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2rOS1MK0e
**THUD**239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rmtngzGxn
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTguCeV2dH
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXIVRVsrMU
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk15woW6NM7
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–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8l1EW5YM8
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30MJk1epRS
"--Hrk!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1LWwLvBAv
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjHMo0v7de
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9XmPkOojr
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKvnOHdiEj
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf8Xfar3mh
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEX2ZSfeOa
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmAOLoaI7p
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLJoDlSGui
"This..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTchtyGI4Sv
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXQo7Lj7Ky
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwGPXJkC2Q
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ojf4ORs9k
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa4Y8e5i5Z
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx6uhQmETf
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyeuSh4DOh
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLUijs9r9d
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtu8eCWmRE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9u4sKv0vN0
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktUG1QdRVK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzF30uyM9i
"--sneaky!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhXuoEWALi
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Nb7Y8nxM
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4yWu4IW2q
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVwEmhNuOv
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJqMMUdFol
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPZ0zHlQgg
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrZdm1oRG0
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17eiWNoAnE
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSewSIVA3u
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfiVW3t4AL
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRlBwcN2JY
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSwmnGshzr
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIlTdVX8Hd
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZ4hg3scIK
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHy7ey5Rjk
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpic4TVjQ3
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfyHxa9DH9
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbO2MGIkEq
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFz4nGyMtP
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy8kMwh6KU
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpj1IkC2rW
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnoDh24qoc
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXXUA6gmJm
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKseiOYH9z
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp271CDDcCx
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8nOKQhqR3
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowE4XsPx4M
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvuPyNqfPl
"I win, though–"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7puw546Nq
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2X1GPCSAY
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6gOhqY2lK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55D8oCH3RS
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz08p0G8Ix
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqmgF5wW11
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvETXZTpqhX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWafudMA13P
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuMkhvV2ih
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWdYtNLYJM
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0RzmsOYwO
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPwyWLUkLi
"Can't move your legs?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXRbfiym1P
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbVti6K96U
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbemSuVScXM
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8oCdnBUNF
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54A2Euot1W
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEeUmtPaa3
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcbhb0KXqk
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKjTwrf7fR
"Aren't you going to do something?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyPOnae5WZ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs0Z3FNEQc
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdscb6jknji
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjz7DfoKgk
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1H6opALVB
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEi4rlhUHi
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCKvkNNo2p
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6c3Z0oMjy
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhrKhGXvPT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KSYPvyr1d
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–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7txdwESHL
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHUpNsZDur
**BOOM**239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCEYuCEkVt
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLzrIpb6s5
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJHCOn4cBq
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBo5goZ2Z7
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ93mqlf6E
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyjTqOcMym
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA9NPnp0kc
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3kir61pg7
"--?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSVmp5aOGE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmRraF2ksr
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOkgeWOCo4
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcF2r2j3NI
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNSFjv2vNG
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWzj1okK4z
"...Ehh."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cc2cVXxoM
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXxj1EqmiI
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpOwFnPrET
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W5oI7Wv8U
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45mo00nN09
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPddsr0wou
"..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmTgA6INSe
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8t76ZZma1
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAAmCRe6aj
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNarRoBYBQI
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZYjiw5l9H
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2Z6NGlBgk
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe1dLowciS
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzLhXScrTT
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GugucdiOv
