The crowd sprung from their hiding spots, darting to the Pillar, flailing weapons and roars. I was late to the call; even Juke went ahead without me, but once I got my bearings, I sprinted in with my tendril brandished.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyDc9Oka8w
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRWoCLhUu6
The truth was, though I ran with purpose, I hadn't the slightest clue what to do. I looked left and right and observed the other members of the crowd. Some took up battles with guarding Bringers, others continued their onslaught. I slowed down, thinking of offering my help, but the crowd members made their adeptness in combat immediately known to me. As assuring as it was to see, it left me lodged in place. I looked around frantically, shaking sweat off my head with every turn.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF9AQ0dpWS
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5yxDQMSiB
"Kid! Over here!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJgF8bK2wv
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVEl4v1rVC
A voice called out to me– Juke's, and immediately I was brought back to the moment. He stood near the entrance of the Pillar, and to that destination I dashed. My head turned left and right rapidly, and I had to duck a few too many times to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Once I arrived, I skidded to a stop.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF9UMZgMVH
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zqc8VDWn9
"Ya ready!?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwppr7CLbn
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKPukRyU6s
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7NoJbZmQu
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzhLlfGpX3
We barged into the building with the rest of the squad. Nearly half of the members branched from the group to battle the guarding Bringers. I could only catch Lola and Pars before they finished their assault. Their attacks were effective and quickly incapacitated the members, if not outright killed them.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ294UkaK2B5
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyv1I2Kuey
I couldn't help but avert my gaze at the bloodshed. Doing so, I noticed I was just about to ram into the person ahead of me. I quickly stopped, grazing the man's coat but narrowly avoiding a clash. I held my hand to my chest, frantically grateful, then stood there wondering why he stopped in the first place276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHHBkAHwHN
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPQEvMIbBB
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt4Xugjowz
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEucw0YNZuL
"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09Mm0AgNtO
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IcqmkA07X
YEAH!276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObm3D0GvUN
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJFLfO9MNZ
I was ready for the roar this time, but still, I shook, because the plan Lola had just created hurled me into a spiral of disorganized questions. But I hadn't the time to even form them; the crowd moved immediately after the instructions were yelled. They went ahead of me, charging, and I would've done nothing but stand there and stare if it wasn't for the smack on my back.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU4rKJVF9P
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eo1lBj6P9
"Ack!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2Cuco7aQw
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz4AMM9NK8
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVEREost6L
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTMwxuNIMu
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3piydIaSX5
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIZLzM4DKk
"R-Right!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ME6CKAnDx
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSwtFVu6bN
I shook my head rapidly as we followed the rest of the group, slapping my cheeks over and over. I almost folded then and there. Chiding myself verbally wouldn't suffice. I quickly resolved myself as we ascended the first set of stairs, disjointed from the rest of the squad. When we arrived at the second floor, the group was still again. I thought for a moment that Lola might've forgotten something, but as I peered around the crowd and saw who stood before us, I became just like them.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7V9DYplYO
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDmguQe37n
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9DVwxPPzz
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pQcG2yH4D
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODxh31nFaU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r8lakNgy9
"Crap!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv1ijdhbzq
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT3P18Ewqg
I was worried, naturally. Having fought her before, I knew of her strength. But this was a different scenario. This time, I had a group of powerful fighters with me. By our sheer numbers, she shouldn't be a considerable threat.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKXOoqbuJS
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2kMBhOF81
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zy7ji1Cl9
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydy24Dftrh
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShQIaSCadI
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTojDFeFoL0
That comment put everyone on high alert, and only made me sweat more profusely. Having just been told that there is a time limit to this operation was a kick to the stomach. I looked at the rest of the crowd. They were brandishing their weapons and seemed to be readying their spells. I raised my tendril, half-heartedly ready to strike.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEfaI2Udks
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44774zI1Cb
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoipNxXodi
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlyVd2y7du
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzR7Lwo3cv
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKFIemcee5
"L-Lola!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq8GudhcQw
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XKJyU9HkH
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCw1d5XEJT
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrJbgUTx9e
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR75Y1953O
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiBOUsYoJZ
And the crowd did. It dispersed throughout the room. I went to the left side, eyeing the Bringers and preparing to respond to any attacks. The Harbinger just clicked her tongue and stepped forward.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SkQq3v0Ud
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWEEGcYwUT
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNz95v8XVg
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI59IQ87SZq
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aJPKMuYED
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5CQJQ84bL
Shockingly, she ignored the rest of us. The few lackey Bringers were overwhelmed by our numbers The rest of the crowd descended, but I hung around for a moment and looked. I started at the floor. I saw blood and torn fabric that didn't come from the enemy, and as I raised my head my gaze fell on the two women.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80ApINKh9l
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHArCo1vIv8
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4pvEBapT8
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwvAgE6FgI
–
–
–276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw1hsDBI0A
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiKqacQDGj
Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCauCqZrFDC
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZpPxXo5vN
By the standards of the Pillars, the room was spacious. Desks and chairs occupied space intermittently, and none were in such a position that they'd become serious obstructions. Despite the ideal conditions, Lola's brow twitched, because it was the abundance of furniture that allowed her powers to be so effective. And due to the material the foundation and exterior of the building were made of, she had ever greater restrictions.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW36F1hwJdA
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkTgcF9Mu5
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLicuILFrtf
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg1jiqcvrJ
She shifted a leg back and shrunk her posture, pointing her dagger like a cat rearing to pounce. She didn't move, though. Her other hand hid behind her back, expelling mana and forming a mass of rock. The Harbinger tilted her head in response.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM5VCjI4HD
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi6StuqpNn
"Do you have something you want to say?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aFfYCgBsK
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupAqE64Gt8
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOqrxkkx5n
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl85R7xs7O
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRAYF9noAU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA0NCrXsCL
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqStlXQKw1
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Das3u1y7U
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RK9twyTGu
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rIsxSlNzI
The Harbinger threw her head back while rolling her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but suddenly, she took a defensive stance with her knife with a reverse grip. The shift made Lola jump, and her mana expulsion was interrupted.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yjPkTIBHD
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PPMk1v9H1
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KyY2EuoXY
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSt5dlIfXa
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKDQVGOWvU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBZncCfgVa
"Call me Anima."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnz27pRjyR
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7rg4E3phK
Her words came out of her mouth like hurled stones. Sluggish, spoken through a calm demeanor, they were laced with an apathy that stabbed at Lola's composure. A flurry formed in her chest, the one she felt every time she had to do the dirty part of her job; a putrid, crimson red. Only now, its color was blighted with a grassy yellow. After Lola's initial shock, the change dwindled in power. It was the same business as always, after all.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvrODN4nqb
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfSU0JWOPd
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzpdCjvFB5
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEwrey84AR
Then, the Harbinger dashed.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP12lMaN6k
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglyBbWgnWA
She charged at Lola with brisk steps, holding the knife out like it was a battering ram. Her speed was surprising, but Lola reacted accordingly, dashing backward. Anima clicked her tongue, stopped her advance, and veered to the side. It surprised Lola, but she dispelled it quickly when the image of a flying chair grew closer and closer. She couldn't duck, so she stepped to the side, but an armrest of the chair caught her shoulder.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiKWrq5MQU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS89bCYwHP
"Ngh!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTPExmue9r
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H1uO5FU81
It hurt, but a bite on the lips drowned the pain. Anima's absurd move confused her and raised dozens of questions, but she had the time to answer none. Her opponent advanced, getting close enough to attempt a few swings. Lola dodged the first two, but after ducking the third, she pointed her dagger and thrust it at Anima's chest. But though it looked like it was sure to hit, Anima strafed to the side and avoided it perfectly. Lola's body committed to the trajectory of the knife just long enough for Anima to–276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaZjjFiqXe
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWyw0ObspR
**THUD**276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphut4v12QC
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXI7ROHKR8
She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFbYH5gKQb
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2WfgzPg9j
She caught Anima sprinting towards her. Too confused to make a complex motion, she simply fell on one of her knees and began mana expulsion.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VMvtWseem
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmqDAXkif4
"--!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoUeUGjeUp
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVyjp0iafR
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp5yFgq3wr
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wHeDqt6WX
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr1WssqqsI
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4fUgnKtPx
As she regained her senses, she lamented the state of the room. Even the floor was magic-resistant, making it nigh-impossible to use her earth magic in such an offensive way. She desperately wanted to devise a plan, beginning to regret how carelessly she entered the battle, but her opponent handed her no such luxury.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50IWnyFVtm
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs7zT68qHD
Immediately, Anima jumped over the limp stone slab brandishing her knife. Lola was forced again to act defensively, backing away from the aggressive swings of the Harbinger. She swung once and twice, then followed up with a stab. Lola prepared to step back, but a sudden collision halted her.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaB7RZr29V
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOEJINY7TF
She had hit a wall.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvtmCR1qvP
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJXz8SrO5N
"--!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpm93bRfet
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHYl3ftjD4
If she opted to move her whole body, she'd be punctured. If she stepped to the side the knife would still nip her considerably. Enduring such a taxing injury this early wasn't an option. Thus, instead of moving her body–276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwue7A3Xii
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddmsdJfh4U
**CLING**276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSCDsBvGUU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAPIlW1V2I
She intercepted Anima's blade with her own, catching it between the dual prongs of her dagger. The Harbinger's eyes widened for a moment, clearly surprised. Lola made note of that as a struggle ensued.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrY1KkOnSh
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC9kAvn497
"Huh. I can't break free."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrK4ZfL6kz
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQOYEQQmmP
The serrations on her knife caused it to get caught on the dagger. She couldn't dislodge it, but Lola's weapon was just as stuck as her opponent's. Anima jerked her leg, clearly preparing a kick, but Lola didn't react. The Harbinger delivered a blow to her right. She winced, but in her head, she celebrated.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9UqdYqPT9
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRBKpN99zI
"--Huh?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qE3VIVyOo
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiu1KGBCdE
"Caught you!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEbtACgHal
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlunHPISpDC
She had Anima's leg wrapped in her arm. She tightened her hold, squeezing hard enough that a lesser fighter's bones would've shattered. Then, she began mana expulsion.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzFahsBuHB
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y0jJqkNMv
"You!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz3pJRVNiQ
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalmrKqkciX
Anima's panic was clear and immediate. At first, she attempted to pull her leg out of Lola's grasp, but she could barely make it nudge an inch. It did, however, make a spell difficult to produce.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokrrQZSCak
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcGxhJasTX
It was laborious, but Lola was sure that she guaranteed a blow. She formed a blade of earth, focusing on width rather than length, and prepared to blast it through the Harbinger's leg. But then, she suddenly felt a force at her front, and her body jerked forward.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxNXl1mjSw
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFZ6RKzMme
The Harbinger freed her knife from Lola's dagger. Of course, it was the obvious decision when she forfeited the support of both arms. Lola had no time to curse herself for her oversight, because now a blade was soaring at her face. She ducked her head in time and, acting on instinct, she tackled Anima with a headbutt to her stomach.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yxWBSPVZE
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2umQyz33M
"Hrk!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOqvVxbGv9
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiL3TtmTWS
She recoiled from the blow, taking a few jagged steps back. Lola realized that she let go of her leg, but she still had the stubby cylinder of stone to hurl. And hurl it she did.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mJX1PcTXU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhfsHsKKvp
The Harbinger still reeled from the strike. Even through her rushed and lousy aim, Lola was confident that her cylinder would slug her opponent's head. Only, that didn't happen.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuEZ8FJQYL
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRZLM360Ai
By an inch the cylinder missed, and it wasn't because Lola aimed poorly, but because the Harbinger let herself stumble onto the ground, landing on her ass.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgseg5veRo
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuKfKcr3Kl
Lola's bewilderment was profound, but she wasn't foolish enough to avoid capitalizing on her opponent's state. She leaped forward and stabbed the dagger from above, but she only hit the ground as the Harbinger rolled away. She hopped on her feet and tossed a haymaker kick that Lola retreated her head just in time for. Anima's follow-up blow was too sudden for Lola to dodge.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYsNrdeIbs
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPrIRVTuaU
She ate a heel to the head, a strike so fierce she flew to the wall. Fortunately, her chin wasn't hit, so Lola avoided being dazed. But her vision was blurred and her hearing was impaired.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIucD6Z7ro
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66k0TrMwA4
Lola, however, had a spectacular guess as to what her opponent would do next, and so she retaliated. She placed both her hands on the ground, carelessly expelling mana and producing not a slab of earth, but a wave of water.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoMRZA7K86
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7y5pp4d7D
A few seconds passed until her senses returned. When her vision was clear, she was pleased to find herself still alive, but now the entire room was damp and flooded. Anima was on the other side, similarly drenched, though she clearly suffered no damage.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaivf6oAnqO
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bGB1CjGro
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMl75V8oG4
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6683Gg2xIU
"...This is irritating."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1Aci6VOHP
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL4H8Tub8W
Lola got up to her feet, contorting her face. She made sure to at least keep one eye open because the Harbinger wasn't someone to be lax around. She found it difficult to keep her focus, though.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEs3u3MZsz
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHibuU6wMzA
This moment. This eternal, present moment; how she loathed it. Her opponent was slippery in figure and form, escaping every jab Lola threw her way. And now, the entire floor was ruined. The furniture was maimed and jumbled by the force of the water. The carpet absorbed so much that it looked like it would burst.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9my5OOn2E
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSrnakLNim
It had barely been a few minutes, but Lola was beginning to get tired. Her stamina was unusually low, but with how much she drank to suppress her stress, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. She chuckled. For a moment, she had an awful load of clarity.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6RWiXeSJt
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesbMW2RuN2
Giving up became more and more alluring.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd6s2vxclc
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1Xcv4yQrt
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2Gb3AahgB
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo91yTOXtJ
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPUcOnFNOC
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbjs9QDvVV
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAvk7UlYd7
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnopFhScm3
The Harbinger looked at her with vigilance. Lola suspected that she had earned some respect from her, but she doubted that would make the fight any easier.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnseAqtiWS
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1XH65o71b
As it was right now, she couldn't make any progress. Anima hadn't even used her magic yet, and yet Lola struggled to deliver a meaningful blow. At the rate she was going, she'd be whittled down, engaged in a battle of attrition she didn't have the mettle to endure.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLdO1EVDmx
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCkOlSQw1Z
But options were scarce. Any direct attack would either be dodged or countered and any spell was either too weak or suffered the same fate. With how aggressive Anima was being, she had no time to imbue the room with her mana.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLaOGRz5tn
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHELahhYMkG
"...Unless, of course."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJVTQKEYlO
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnLT5RekdB
She had to concede that her opponent was the better fighter in hand-to-hand combat; those few exchanges were all it took for her to realize. But it seemed to Lola that she was the far better mage.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ734BdKCWMJ
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi01QJbzsjp
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqZCtMslNn
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYRJrxntmU
"I don't like what you're planning!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0DZQIPjeO
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnKuX00Zwt
Anima was an opponent who had an impossible ability to predict actions. Anima was an opponent who was cautious about and loathed being confrontational. Yet despite this, she was a skillful aggressor. But she was not impenetrable.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQva6JccBu
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAX7neRho6
As the Harbinger charged for the umpteenth time, Lola remarked at how inconsistent her ability to predict was. The reason for the discrepancy was unknown to her, and she had no opportunity to ponder and deduce it. That, however, would lose all its relevancy if every inch of the room was a weapon.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKjLi7lzBt
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmltnxRjYsB
Her approach changed. Anima threw a small ball of fire at Lola, but expecting divergence, Lola was unfazed. She smacked the spell away with her dagger, preparing to back away again, only to hesitate once she noticed how close the Harbinger was. Anima thrust her knife– an action parried by Lola's swift movements. She attempted a riposte, but with a reckless motion, had her dagger countered with a resounding clang.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qM3P2uhjv
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2DidBPScQ
It became clear to Lola that knifeplay was inimical for progress. Thus, she backed away, a motion that took advantage of Anima's poor posture. The Harbinger clicked her tongue and prepared another spell. It wasn't a haphazard product this time, but a sizeable, dangerous wall of flame. Lola had a skulking smirk, but a telling sea of sweat.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZyiQ5Orwm
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTClItQt2q
It became time to set her plan in motion. She released the bubbling mana in her hand and suspended it behind her back, then formed a mass of water of similar size. She took great relief in seeing Anima's eyes widen, reeling her arm and flinging her spell.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKfJX2d4cU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqprdkAomw
The Harbinger hastily threw her own spell to match Lola's. The two met, and a cloud of vapor burst from the collision, spreading through the entire room instantly. The haze was surprisingly thick; Lola knew that staying in place would only hurt her. She grabbed her suspended mana and continued supplying it, running through the steam and keeping a watchful eye–276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJKh8sR6nZ
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsKeMdmyd8
**THUD**276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4ZDo4NUUH
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRImXxiNuSU
But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7DeHnO8LL
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iocd75zau
She tried to stand on her feet. She was only halfway stable before she caught something shifting in the fog. She jerked to avoid it–276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8wrLr8VtA
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lI3SqsVLE
"--Hrk!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ2XvvrmLx
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgWdVJZaZt
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n7KsDx2j4
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SPuGlo4iP
Her reaction wasn't a result of instinct, but a habit acquired from her time in the field. She lifted her foot and swiped it in front of her, connecting with something. The steam began to dissipate, and she caught the Harbinger several meters away from her, but now her right femur felt one nudge away from being dislocated from her hip. She dashed away and looked at the new source of pain: her sizzling gash.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1N6D6oViX
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc0ECOBkiW
It was on her right shoulder. She was thankful that she wore protective gear, because otherwise the cut could've net her a lost arm. Though, with how much it bled, it was still nothing to scoff at. She collapsed for a moment, scoffing.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt2Q8crtZi
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGGLfiMI8J
"This..."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYtKLGKcKo
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99OnrSUcq5
She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKYDJi5uHv
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J44wRMJdh
She could only do a little before her opponent returned to harassing her. Lola clicked her tongue, but got on her feet and brandished her dagger.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ163Li606hZ
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrVuPcgZNF
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUW1pquMxc
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFERP7VgX1C
Lola realized just how much trouble she had keeping calm. It stunned her for a moment, but ultimately, she still decided to challenge Anima's approach.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VIAHh4DC2
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBftAqfcVP
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4N9Qg8fPA
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHIjfM8Pzm
"--sneaky!"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sKKV8rh3H
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJIdeUd6LN
Anima thrust her knife again, and again Lola parried it with her dagger. It wasn't as impactful, having it be done with her non-dominant hand, and Anima took advantage of it to try a slash. Lola moved reeled her head just in time and retaliate with an upward kick. Anima blocked it with her forearm, though it was only so effective, and since it was Lola's right leg she winced from the move. The Harbinger tried thrusting again, but had her blade caught in between Lola's.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6VYlnpGBt
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWKoJG3keD
Instead of baiting a grab, Lola acted fast. She twirled her wrist and jerked her arm to her, weakening Anima's grip, then hurtled her arm the otherway, and Anima's knife flew across the room.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmXsAGC1Ow
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡektczpMD4B
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6WhBUi8Lx
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMRxhZ07k7
She managed to brace her jaw before the impace, but it still made her head ring. She was met with another one, and then a third one to her chest.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFx77M1Yr4
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPGeFntdLO
And of course, none of them were strong enough to send her flying. It was only after a short flurry, a storm of blows and jabs, that the Harbinger hit her hard enough to create distance.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IMBXAo8my
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS4jy2GYpy
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFWMnPx07m
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ckDIcVFVQ
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFA8lpsaUG
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhikWIJGT7q
She checked her spell and determined it still wasn't ready. Only a little more– only a little more and the battle would finally turn to her side.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9SqG8vEPl
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1uQmX8InS
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFga0XYcKp
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTObkTGu8NJ
Even as the Harbinger went to grab her knife, moseying as if she hadn't an opponent at all, she had no drive to stand.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHeeydfBdF
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0vqmcmMEO
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8UVFQaIQU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbWwhNRhZp
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ysa6eplTq
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOM8YV6YYI
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFepNMYKAD
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0hGPTBIzP
"I win, though–"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpZbVaXffX
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBOBD1rWcp
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMO7wM9lkI
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6iocLpMI9
Anima didn't even spare her an insult, she darted her head to the walls and sprinted. Lola eyed her and noticed she was heading to the exit. Then, listlessly slapping her right hand on the floor, her mana permeated throughout the soaked room.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ973eRnzIdK
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09BWj2kmuM
The effect was immediate. The room's stern architecture dawned a sludge-like form, one that slowed Anima down instantly. She threw Lola a look of scorn and raised her knife, hurling it at her. A piece of the floor rose to intercept it.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY3jtzsA3N
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpicc4SGFJ3
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU5EnaUHAw
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EyLMKpofT
She got on her legs, using a half-broken chair that slid to her as a support. She eyed the Harbinger, who, though still looked furious, was surprisingly calm.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9AnaSiEbN
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmBh2iROYr
"Can't move your legs?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdFu45a5ib
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoeYgdlFmH
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUM9wlr83F
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJgpUfF2uf
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUasg8jSyyN
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehC5cnzadj
Even Lola was surprised at her laughter. It detracted her from her disgruntling situation for a moment. She gazed at the Harbinger. She did nothing more but gaze.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1WM5bkRWH
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXuxsz4Kin
"Aren't you going to do something?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkt6gq9tdA
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lIY74Riba
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBUGsOpF8D
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAuGcVMDoJ
The Harbinger rolled her eyes in response. Lola commanded the room to form a spike out of the furniture, then created a mock catapult out of the floor.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLzueL0ns9
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpHPJssncs
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdB1bv9oEQ
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY8AJnTmb4
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9zlkZuEUy
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB4vq3wxC6
Anima suddenly ducked and extended her hand, firing a ball of fire that had little time to form, but was strong enough to blast the catapult. Lola was brough back to the present, and again she commanded the room to attack, but as she did, Anima pointed her arms in the opposite direction of the wall, and then–276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQOmz7XyI4
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3cH3XWZ1Y
**BOOM**276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTwa6Ige9o
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcyzXHzi0i
A gust of wind powerful enough to send every unfixed object to the opposite side blew in the room. Lola was sent to the wall, which cushioned her collision instead of exacerbating it, but it still hurt. When she opened her eyes, she saw a giant hole, and her opponent on the other side.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRL8dfiPxw
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q1ojIFxYw
Anima stood up. Even from this distance, she could make out all the scratches from the debris. They exchanged looks. Lola expected Anima to turn and run, but she approached, stopping short of the hole in the wall.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbuP7vg9I7
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQelAIE975w
"People like you," she said, pointing her bruised finger, "people like you. You fill me with putrid disgust, so loathsome I oughta spit at you."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYf4wxIbGa
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOEVsn3D7g
"--?"276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqbt3HbokF
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF59DkJp8xu
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouBz0E8wyI
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiSieXDT1k
She withdrew her head, turned around and ran. Lola was stumped for a moment, but she discarded her words. It was just the deranged ramblings of a Harbinger, after all.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWjA7cagQV
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MF2RBaskW
"...Ehh."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H1OfPtHLC
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp6u2rpo2k
She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiYdNA9Ax0
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxcn9jAukx
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjILBJPVYc
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DXzfrJjpa
"..."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDAVGgzCTH
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZvBH5jO5k
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgsWev3GqA
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjef8hziV5
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKt52wcqHU
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmHHCRqqiC
The wound on her shoulder still gushed blood. Her energy drained faster because of it, but she had to tend to it to live. She began mana spinning. Still hurt, still tired, still doused.276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlavWfVocQH
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BSROKoqFX
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
276Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZBQgRVCgB
