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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpFxCsbvZO
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDcn1ZtMjj
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kbs1ekrEG
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN8OHlzbfJ
"Kid! Over here!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsplQ8nLrIr
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMFmYLX4cW
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaObeqEwPo
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr10Gojrhy
"Ya ready!?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9G5U1O9lj
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1zN1zqU6H
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsW8wbTExG
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZniaB81e8
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eax4vjHFt
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIcWAYh0uz
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 place445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHCMpABJVU
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTpkX4Ty1i
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzxDiFCuFk
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2cCbiUIeg
"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!?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQYcPMF7IK
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfUS4bGC1x
YEAH!445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc9FRWGH51
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejIrQdRovt
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WGNXKq01J
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOILQ809Tda
"Ack!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rCef9mJbO
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkUm8ydb5e
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3a7bHVAN4
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMhVtToraE
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgSvztlmfe
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSIHj3W6d1
"R-Right!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOKitgicHQ
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnpL8OiDJK
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6z8NzYO63
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYwLasrpcU
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo473EKFeU
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblVGUVGtrm
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcXaneNubU
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMHduLNtFZ
"Crap!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1hWEsZbWZ
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJh7aFvgw2
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzRToOAYfT
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDeYbsIxZF
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BsexVV40B
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7ubwa1PIO
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdipilvMcnw
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hWF2Xl0cW
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKClgXFGWi
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnUSHxU1gD
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77KPnbDxhG
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcdTaQ3HsC
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv9wtEGK1J
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvoxCz2mPc
"L-Lola!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJvdrxbXgF
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUOCj6BYjJ
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazrGsTYDD6
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKoRM1bmOh
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQH72yWSHH
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXsDb4KqLt
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEm6yTmoxo
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZi8tWUrdt
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAIobb4r87
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRnglozk8C
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7fGUl5jex
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxARqpmlufG
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2Jy9PUaf2
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuSyD0Csxt
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96G0Sb3Vop
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTS1pNvF4S
–
–
–445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH6EcZPkaq
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9B8hmsWld
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?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwKFq2ckAU
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXpS3V7Ddw
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxvI0j0EaP
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZJ2z6c8YI
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQPUbUuC1M
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZGaFOyYQr
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wyOWiCmjP
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNlftVqv5C
"Do you have something you want to say?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTFbb2mEjF
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr3vwuqfE9
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ74KumoxLz
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifBPcf46ID
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB1eBOEExs
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YRd6GzpCo
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK2atSqIlF
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhFDLWf7rw
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgABWqFunmd
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRL3ZOfXLd
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmAXYZEmO7
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBDc28GPsJ
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gQf5ZSERW
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBE6w2fu9s
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKZwje1ch7
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgscpsWreq
"Call me Anima."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr5C0pQkuV
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADET0y3XyI
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxpGqyijty
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGoX8u9d1c
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2drlb289pV
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TPUDo5man
Then, the Harbinger dashed.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ihc2j4Y95
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmECFjaC3G
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2nQKf7JpC
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSGnGHsFKG
"Ngh!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDepBhia93
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaPRxHXQJO
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–445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzRnT6R57A
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzrgstQcqx
**THUD**445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9bm4IWAzV
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiFEln65HY
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn8ChWJSt7
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb4YDkrkBQ
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1DO0VKp7s
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpJOIqzkV5
"--!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzTTJ8Aedm
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qg1hNDrhP
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCTrdXar7A
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0QnXjLNrG
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVOBdDhsYY
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpv8C9ylfP
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKxthWTi8f
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiGScDl42s
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiaPaCcouU
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATS9lADHuG
She had hit a wall.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb3WAqisvN
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUP1PmGkBd
"--!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HMD5ixjA6
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCMa4g7xuy
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–445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt9dnOIhii
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQriiyyVBxy
**CLING**445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72qDTIjB1H
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C17MID3bd
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjQz7FhrpT
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCFH4i0vXG
"Huh. I can't break free."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1od6QY1WOP
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnyEDfUVds
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB15Eb9LYY5
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1ouLwPRru
"--Huh?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfve7ZSrmZo
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpg0kQnTay
"Caught you!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4daUMb0Dt
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAI7OvbrWV
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBIJb71Tig
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1jv3hv0DX
"You!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqcZLRzxWd
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3IMYuImfu
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Prbwxs2kF
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULue1o1cQ4
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGLMvQx8a8
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEeaU0pgNv
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKqDKIcxYs
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PuigOlHGs
"Hrk!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLMLb5l3Wi
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOBLKX4NZ0
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7KwYPqgb0
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDcrC1SHpa
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgojuwfPxfT
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdZQy0rvCa
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFQupkHx9r
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Sb9CrQqw5
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATjy7JO8BM
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97ekN9XMWY
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOogF8Sj3q3
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBSu6wElSJ
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRA6IqfpFp
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiNdqCsNMm
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADZhvEJVhe
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSwyunthsm
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPb62WHj6C
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU4Fa39NnA
"...This is irritating."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2HzpHJmtZ
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1305CfohrU
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UV8AgaxiG
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfGgMDxhD5
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQsPxXDpUE
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV3LAuAIzQ
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFpFbj4dXP
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWHCn1IoDR
Giving up became more and more alluring.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExbAFz8zrj
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3S4r5iggM
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnufXj0WM5
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z188tgYgF
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yXwTUAAjo
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhanAQRvXXM
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWh0HEPxQo
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfiA80W2Ei
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXQSlK1C6y
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZVdOoXwsP
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5nUwyMt9W
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGeSoYbqdy
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRgh48IqYT
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf34iLY2R39
"...Unless, of course."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazBg7nzhCd
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LkZiNUJj2
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqZCyjXoIA
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXFFCOPnha
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mGDkxf0AX
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiBPnE9K4k
"I don't like what you're planning!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILTIh6G6tE
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xbrstOBgL
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonSLy2V9AO
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxWy4ruGIi
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfvUYLaPx6
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKM5sxXbje
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb2ypV9TLi
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDNhZdYmJ6
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpz0Tj7QkCo
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbJmVZ4hdY
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKrl0YZAZi
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNDa5x3VYT
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–445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡethuDkyB9w
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUScTVjGfNl
**THUD**445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp0uUnJqaJ
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgLZY6Th6e
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwVvWWa0uA
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw6vXqoSS7
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–445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss0ZNibpzD
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5dMHVirVs
"--Hrk!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmysTDgyb3
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmlFKpELDz
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeFjXLxJnJ
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv2g9AnPPI
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSe1Snt7dk
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaAlts27j3
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQJX1LbF24
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wag3FWRl5
"This..."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVxqkFyuda
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFxmedgnDl
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YBrK3MBXg
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe95XgePge
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtOZoqFzcR
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUMCEe2Hp3
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWqhC20NZ4
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV4SjPXMNy
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDaBSGMwvB
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1l89NaqhZ
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vzbV6C4mZ
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMEheuIKD7
"--sneaky!"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIR4lU9fdL
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS8tjeQy5h
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFDtaOJfSp
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuJkH4Smmf
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtV6etYOJU
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhWYa3nuSU
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DTHxBoFas
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3HK7X4ugr
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MijM1w73r
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxYQVAZFzM
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5QtX2Vqg8
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwVNeRLAlw
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSqyJY2sRF
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUs13C03uK
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpToq5iHTL8
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4Le68m3TM
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHKC6wkQpl
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0A3YX8tFu
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyzXXEGSh6
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNO67P4CAr
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LnomnVu8g
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSnqDZj9NV
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRv4vWyX4U
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMblGb053K
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6vKjNFzGh
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL8lGTHM7X
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm3tTanBOq
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5CTVZP4lm
"I win, though–"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC1EFO9UZO
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc1ml1OW2b
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xxmk4CwjT
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25t1wAWJWz
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY9qcEVkTN
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0obhUgWQyS
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANl5HIBJW0
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjDkbBr9Sy
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRCSQgjP2n
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ6ol4cK6a
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKubLURzB4K
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj2tKxeAKA
"Can't move your legs?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCexnJgRSSG
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4lH2NzzwF
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcTgL0BdFn
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbm4T81JPF
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBDwybPVYz
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC9QoN78YY
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy51lHsHEs2
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTr7tyumUb
"Aren't you going to do something?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvEVpitNRo
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYbOfCkZfV
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BJ0YYJ3qx
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSRtCq064G
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlJtmz66Bf
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSmEb6BXCp
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2AVWyTCoL
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV9U5koQC9
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsD8rDISbY
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW0uqBN1cC
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–445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4ZXXpOGeI
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxbUg3lnfR
**BOOM**445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSy2FowxaX
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxabj4f2gdU
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcobpFu5jF
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeApnWYnSBS
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDC3tkGPFT
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKscZlwrklU
"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."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy1Zz30mKC
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7wI0XdaqQ
"--?"445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi23JEG2233
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYr3nivcUV
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMrfGr6uE9
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe2dunOcmh
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJAkVGAgk8
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ8omSZ5ho
"...Ehh."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb5JfpTBGk
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL6TJd25wo
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBhwzAVjCP
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrZR9evPQL
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn6CpR3Qeh
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsA0axkE9u
"..."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAflII6E9G
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7DIZsDdUE
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV3PPcBdCK
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVfCMvsb9o
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqPHSPZscp
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL0ohxL5K7
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.445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9qjsOE8eb
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptf8gL9X77
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
445Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLYmgMqaPl
and then Add to home screen.