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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAUjnIInS2rR
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOPWLigGEAS
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAqIfmk2hOa7
24Please respect copyright.PENANAontaWqvvsf
"Kid! Over here!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAaVQG15YbiB
24Please respect copyright.PENANAEB1zyscCAv
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAWnY7mO2ls8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdzRna2WvKq
"Ya ready!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA0rjzlV154t
24Please respect copyright.PENANAziv7BmizhA
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA8EY779YktV
24Please respect copyright.PENANAveAcWv38A2
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAoBfwD7vKax
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgsPQPO7Yo1
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 place24Please respect copyright.PENANALnskIigEgq
24Please respect copyright.PENANAi7uYNVFWx9
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.24Please respect copyright.PENANARdMeDgzHdi
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjJtsJjjp7J
"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!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAzYFoM7W2kP
24Please respect copyright.PENANAD7MWxCOqZr
YEAH!24Please respect copyright.PENANAlaL9OWWKR6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAhGUtdS5cqC
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA8DWhwmXzgk
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOE0Tf89oFM
"Ack!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA5ogVTLFQJL
24Please respect copyright.PENANAHsYRs4qZf2
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.24Please respect copyright.PENANABKMioJ0UTP
24Please respect copyright.PENANA26e4Ihxdm5
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAJy8dAbjTMa
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxTuo669TYZ
"R-Right!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAurI0I0VtTQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAyCeogOD84h
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAqh2Lub1PP9
24Please respect copyright.PENANAziy8Kt4nC5
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."24Please respect copyright.PENANA7QDfr0KMZM
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJc3W4BHPNK
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.24Please respect copyright.PENANANuuMMlUhgG
24Please respect copyright.PENANAngA2oSJR85
"Crap!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAYjvQavGXQ1
24Please respect copyright.PENANA05mxJoSIbC
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA6tp5Di661U
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However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.24Please respect copyright.PENANAaCUZCqlSl4
24Please respect copyright.PENANAyugkWb3ZWK
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."24Please respect copyright.PENANAdNrAWH1cYW
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtbMVCCb8ub
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAj92PdsAQVT
24Please respect copyright.PENANAie4l98s3fo
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.24Please respect copyright.PENANA2UTnNyPEdL
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQl7Xq2CmqL
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."24Please respect copyright.PENANAaDtEishdOX
24Please respect copyright.PENANAe4HG90tFQT
"L-Lola!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAAg2UIKimth
24Please respect copyright.PENANAR13TfQbpmC
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.24Please respect copyright.PENANAJk1716J3FG
24Please respect copyright.PENANA7ghbyhSQ42
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAGCrwGJf03Q
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWq4pVnDpIZ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA5lIUolL6W7
24Please respect copyright.PENANAXDCNzfqMpK
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAAveVdXIGCB
24Please respect copyright.PENANArpbI0QW2TJ
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."24Please respect copyright.PENANAcvvb7ztW7f
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqUXuM0P5FN
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA1GKofBtrWo
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYfAtNCBvQA
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.24Please respect copyright.PENANA2TzgGYwCkJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQkyTapAj3g
–
–
–24Please respect copyright.PENANAVX4Q42B54v
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAmvmnuGhp9
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?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAlqC42WQXlX
24Please respect copyright.PENANAazqp17cFnL
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANArhACwqDslp
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.24Please respect copyright.PENANAp0CnK6CeVr
24Please respect copyright.PENANARPKpZL82rD
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxXtRN2ZpnN
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZ472CBS6Np
"Do you have something you want to say?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAng2SitMaEZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAeHaYgBh1lz
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.24Please respect copyright.PENANAqj4GiNEPIW
24Please respect copyright.PENANAj0JUNZJjbn
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."24Please respect copyright.PENANAaazz39UgVS
24Please respect copyright.PENANADOP4Af9LH1
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."24Please respect copyright.PENANASifurVM43l
24Please respect copyright.PENANAUjrzP65xAk
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."24Please respect copyright.PENANAkGTARD1s0x
24Please respect copyright.PENANAztbPrISorg
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAECp0y9bCYA
24Please respect copyright.PENANAHNeynGUeoN
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."24Please respect copyright.PENANACOtpUHjYmL
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvaS2GnxBnj
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.24Please respect copyright.PENANAEXccSbN5Gn
24Please respect copyright.PENANASUdYpQ6TDS
"Call me Anima."24Please respect copyright.PENANAsRl9iQiDUl
24Please respect copyright.PENANATL63bddCBD
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAe4PQCQo9c6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfhiib5sddD
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.24Please respect copyright.PENANASaD9wQCB1c
24Please respect copyright.PENANAB8g8r38exY
Then, the Harbinger dashed.24Please respect copyright.PENANAf3kJHxouWs
24Please respect copyright.PENANADKV7Lwlyby
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAjPysYeN2cx
24Please respect copyright.PENANALAOE2bzvOz
"Ngh!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAfGB3EZJrTN
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjPEQjD0WRK
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAUYGDupPI5L
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0Suj7yNChY
**THUD**24Please respect copyright.PENANAxGKZvPLfbX
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYLwiyNL37e
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA6J2O3EbvQw
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2NzLdOgf3M
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAJQ9QH6Xime
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFXvgWEcP6Y
"--!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA12qJLUNvSM
24Please respect copyright.PENANAXt8IjBUd71
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.24Please respect copyright.PENANALnt0rmpuFz
24Please respect copyright.PENANAIQo6C8SYTP
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."24Please respect copyright.PENANADkhdHOvnpw
24Please respect copyright.PENANAoZzpP7jhBJ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAn2UEqcN5EC
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxGXFijIm5T
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAUQg3m6t0vu
24Please respect copyright.PENANAY592XBpXL8
She had hit a wall.24Please respect copyright.PENANAhUmcBVw1Zk
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQj8liuSunE
"--!"24Please respect copyright.PENANABRRl5vISwK
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQJsJqBGTve
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAq27LeNWjyp
24Please respect copyright.PENANAypVMmTNLrm
**CLING**24Please respect copyright.PENANAJ3n4BDOYtp
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAi3yY3QDrz9
24Please respect copyright.PENANAI1aQ1trlnn
"Huh. I can't break free."24Please respect copyright.PENANAYnF2bIplYl
24Please respect copyright.PENANApcRFaB7FEk
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA0wTPsi1OQA
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3DJ5dXZZYm
"--Huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAWwAVt4r5KM
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfPRYrDgnFd
"Caught you!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAoU0N3eVmUj
24Please respect copyright.PENANAmtysFxR0HO
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAPIOXRvp9TH
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxIcMDVXLXw
"You!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAy0yRryEHah
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYQEB9mbzlH
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAYVLGbTEN6t
24Please respect copyright.PENANAppJH3zwZTf
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANALDa7gv4YW2
24Please respect copyright.PENANA9RU3wSEZuz
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAHQhSD0ahh8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfCfW6ZkqHy
"Hrk!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAVIKqmgjQYw
24Please respect copyright.PENANAcGCoUJObi2
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANALHlt2H1ySE
24Please respect copyright.PENANARduHPbgtqc
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA3XPR4EurbE
24Please respect copyright.PENANAc5eR0Qz5Us
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAd7Rl5tOtpw
24Please respect copyright.PENANAbJrOdECkCa
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAoxHmGQrib7
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2AmajGrWWu
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAz6fK6DS8q1
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWBVp9wPJNi
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAgtjszuwYlv
24Please respect copyright.PENANAezAuy2hT3f
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAympLoKwsfm
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAc3RYIWqKm
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.24Please respect copyright.PENANAVWWBqlPH7w
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"...This is irritating."24Please respect copyright.PENANAZckYXquOay
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZnjB7UaULJ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAOkv1Y9V2Z0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAv5RLg2nLu6
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAOOktfUSClI
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFDYUOrKKhD
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAbtJwjnzc1p
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0gqc5CWoLT
Giving up became more and more alluring.24Please respect copyright.PENANAhxSTuW1dPu
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFs7EDpYFGr
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."24Please respect copyright.PENANAtomxBwptGL
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtiiTZPlbrm
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."24Please respect copyright.PENANAWVop0Vd8GI
24Please respect copyright.PENANArxW94qGc5q
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.24Please respect copyright.PENANA1DxN95RnxU
24Please respect copyright.PENANAE79g3Tf0v4
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAwVY7ufzKu5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAo68Ol6NJJT
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANASBvAiX9iPL
24Please respect copyright.PENANAv6aA58gN3z
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAlxMFJp2quQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxPPAoxrEyk
"...Unless, of course."24Please respect copyright.PENANACDqCYYKTKP
24Please respect copyright.PENANAH8Zdpg2dcm
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAKKzTOrZJYv
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQu8Dew1vMp
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.24Please respect copyright.PENANAvHKEdzrEW6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfU9Mhwwn3P
"I don't like what you're planning!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAHtzKjyHjdI
24Please respect copyright.PENANAwEZSupiCgD
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA7MqT42OWaU
24Please respect copyright.PENANAomzesbccZs
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAUwk3BCiTO9
24Please respect copyright.PENANA8pGrP6qd7E
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAWswLpbbp9d
24Please respect copyright.PENANAq5g35oa7Ce
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAABVAMXNrIP
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZHc5y4YeeD
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAJRHaITp2ar
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJdMSJcqvKl
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAf3TW7YKLtq
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjjlCGOrjft
**THUD**24Please respect copyright.PENANAzuxO1TbYDa
24Please respect copyright.PENANAhliPU32NKB
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAdjnKsj9s95
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgFzqgj0WqK
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAUYZKayqfDt
24Please respect copyright.PENANAuiIT0GlGdX
"--Hrk!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAntBU0aIAf3
24Please respect copyright.PENANAb9N2LXX07N
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.24Please respect copyright.PENANAIjIOrwoNxn
24Please respect copyright.PENANAhNMDLi4WxQ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAjC4LEypTQs
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2eq0rHUFlJ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAGzfWdL4tUI
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"This..."24Please respect copyright.PENANArHafHu4kkX
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAgiUmHQ9azC
24Please respect copyright.PENANAeamtMukbaI
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA4jxsGVlh2g
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"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAOB5sST8sqr
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANApHVeIBtbFJ
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The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.24Please respect copyright.PENANAstSAgtlmJG
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"--sneaky!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAl0FmfNpwDC
24Please respect copyright.PENANA23wdXDNWrq
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxHs2bNt3Xc
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2kD0KCFMfD
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAt5PgvUvgI2
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Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.24Please respect copyright.PENANAlWVLAcB8RX
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANALLrWnAlAW7
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAbBU3ltvfcC
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Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.24Please respect copyright.PENANAg1WoF758Eu
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...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...24Please respect copyright.PENANABhHR6rwTxg
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAq5GP1SXNQq
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She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.24Please respect copyright.PENANA862cDirYyL
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA9uCWYUoYZX
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So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–24Please respect copyright.PENANAKuVkwPTbFX
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"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."24Please respect copyright.PENANAARbAf9gg0K
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Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.24Please respect copyright.PENANAgCt6VWu95z
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"I win, though–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAsGr688Jbew
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Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.24Please respect copyright.PENANA6UPfNkavFZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAh8GGucVOFZ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA4xRSD2QhyO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOPbSC1aezM
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAJxd5JZFqkh
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"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAr3wPcNFoFG
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAtfIpqlU8aC
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtJJQPEdLc4
"Can't move your legs?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA5v9MHLJhXn
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"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."24Please respect copyright.PENANAdAsipSNURI
24Please respect copyright.PENANAsWrwXSK7sn
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAyMOvNleKss
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAhBvfwJJh9x
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"Aren't you going to do something?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAl3a1hhzHL5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAu2x2Vk6jXQ
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."24Please respect copyright.PENANA1QEwxcj7Vj
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfMcDCDfhcn
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAsVHCSuhizT
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It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.24Please respect copyright.PENANAU4RA8lTRqY
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That would reveal itself to be a mistake.24Please respect copyright.PENANAwUn3vwGP51
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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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAO0g8bFIt9I
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2GWAeuhP1j
**BOOM**24Please respect copyright.PENANAmgIT1wStx8
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAjm54jHLGTQ
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA5jw0gQECD1
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"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANADwHVXM2FVj
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"--?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA8au8L15iA4
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"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."24Please respect copyright.PENANA9FiSpXCSpf
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAk4MGSyZva2
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"...Ehh."24Please respect copyright.PENANAqRFAe0TEdv
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA50CTfHvnp4
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Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.24Please respect copyright.PENANA8Qa7H3vWTG
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"..."24Please respect copyright.PENANA6Udq6BZ80M
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.24Please respect copyright.PENANAh6CPH7sidT
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"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."24Please respect copyright.PENANAGLmJSvf6LU
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAIWKvmhi1mw
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A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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