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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ktYi5RufR
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsjw9UQcpO
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"Kid! Over here!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbzu3B7YG0
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzyWybZolc
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"Ya ready!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IDUyxhFSO
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"Don't ask! Let's just go!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOHk8cogD9
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgap0ObepOM
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IbgQnGd0W
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BxiqpedGr
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 place212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT4AYTnJAe
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtgqZsBU6R
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"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!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRSKDemwGi
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YEAH!212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PcZZNKrRC
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdRRK6Wb3r
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"Ack!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GCccvMMqx
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I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzocDQAwCbg
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"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xwXaHDQJk
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"R-Right!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoiRM9VEOk
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiCWRNLJto
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"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra0DK5pUAB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qDCBJj4ez
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWeEHHm6dL
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"Crap!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhiSISkESF
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaNg9B72YJ
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However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKHlmIjswr
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf91ETkCUC0
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1Fy3yBcSg
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However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowuGWShTyw
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"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiMRqCK2IT
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"L-Lola!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGOzmvbBLD
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That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiltKJDQ2W3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JrkN6wZIz
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbQXLKRQGc
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKLBV1URHl
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"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5773MQ7vt
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z7CY8NjsJ
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssuK6dKnyP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1zHDNaQzy
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6D5KkflqU
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Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpfdH1bLdJ
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–
–
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCAgJRcC8n
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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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAY3JDv2tJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEoWq758oj
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHKEoSs5Gi
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrjYWDQlOP
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEodR76FHc
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"Do you have something you want to say?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmYJem9FHI
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Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU7BzMbxDu
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrVvbMHIK4
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"Oh, please. You should already know my name."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yv0FXGpjU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TkzmVRSSx
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRpQGzXPDQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDOLE2P4MZ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSSTXwSvQ2
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"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDi8I1C2Sn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUsaABk9KT
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqZCjSLTBT
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"Call me Anima."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFZkIkww4F
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BdTK1s4NT
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc7FCGOov0
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The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7tpmyYve1
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj9BePPLbw
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodz0Z3HOXn
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"Ngh!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygRMNFIbHo
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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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aihDhfriv
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**THUD**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdH9S0w11u
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdBQVLWBTf
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZHvFzvAZB
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"--!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAhKjitgz4
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Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvJy9JL7d2
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Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe1RavrfGb
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhGvshZH74
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVvUvVlB1e
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She had hit a wall.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OS4vysaIE
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"--!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRnMwRhrZh
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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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFbr9EDFsJ
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**CLING**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iC5BvOtmx
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL4E4qEYVI
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"Huh. I can't break free."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkidE0UGXW1
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7Y6943Ox6
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"--Huh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVsXslnKuc
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"Caught you!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFywdBipIX
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZLXylh111
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"You!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpO0oputQm
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQIBd9jhNA
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEA9w1EULw
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qOevkLyFD
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"Hrk!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8cXsejG4H
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy93bHvZTm
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtIVdlNAxk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZgNK00AKH
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDOJClIr1u
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVElkLxnD2Z
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3pHFjom9e
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhrBMy91Ri
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrPMsihqFg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xyLdYgIYQ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1sQcUIOue
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXeKhN5JaT
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW5UuFCG6V
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Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxSW3WctJ1
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"...This is irritating."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NZUYMxrWa
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw42VmUjWc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23EFQ6YaW6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQujDIVR3Wk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgyU4qXEWW
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvlwUuEHfE
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Giving up became more and more alluring.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAt8dF9xf4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1NJBSzdRH
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweTmwpQnCo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9tgzAS73c
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X2IcThWWP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYYz0eppXW
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWOCqmBJyc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wZdUDtGdz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg3dMLmihy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZljo3reHY
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoFUKZsSp9
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ625REy6ZWb
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdI3uWiu3u
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"...Unless, of course."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ChwtqO6u8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMLLbcAdLA
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjjhSWZW2O
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDFN2fUXsb
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58ZF1IF1wW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgEfdIiUby
"I don't like what you're planning!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ18Rxv4ku
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPzXEtIVJv
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwsNS6Jgr7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjva7rAPcx
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRvE65s7YV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhf6nA1v8d
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfxI9aUnUf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHUw8hnZOZ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JUR9HoAJm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA6ElnMJeq
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHA7KcwLJL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXXztIvUp9
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtOOvdTzFj
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9ouk0ZFsy
**THUD**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCTzeIXhHD
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAgHUC5fJE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkMEyloera
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI1dEL9SUc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5k4hzIGPK
"--Hrk!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbJKjzp3vb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlck0Ibpnw9
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFngIbkOhbU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaBb6iPaep
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsKIeAM4Zm
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD9siPgELy
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7czLK14vL3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dUuwmZ4rH
"This..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWav6h2bQSy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQBcTdG26H
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqSdcoweTE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc608kfeRWc
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0zHgxD1Yx
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxOLnvCDUe
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhM0IJ4RCR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolasT1sWlX
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyxv1XoXiS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgHgAvifiO
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyQ6dJ9Phb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aZhFl71Ei
"--sneaky!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2OiWVTTKH
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27SCkYZE7Z
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpsf1jIhws
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMdng74pCV
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQnnKWx9gD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6fwdIQV1x
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBGCc1iwol
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0kO4XO8Gf
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw55qbABt7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEylMVUzfz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rg4ke8VUr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvHkQW8OXw
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsuGmo6oyv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkvTUoFFzP
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuoUrOOlay
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgFuFQWZPf
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gOA3cPKs5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbHVxzhhic
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzrXt2nse9
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWgiLD8l44
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84AEagC0sV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeMdNZ7KiT
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUW2WtPA7K
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8X34VtGho
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvAKgWOsCD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3EyEzDNvF
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzFRkAI4dZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGkq3usMhL
"I win, though–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUstBLV4rjv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnj7CNGLDT
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwBAIKDyIv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyh2RrGAq7
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTErfb9085n
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM5uYk76Sp
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnHHiKaLe1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD9kCZkJVc
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxexciBpVbJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLms6AEkA3m
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27hema8tQD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rHvoLdXCB
"Can't move your legs?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtCx6wS4dw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi49qyo5r3t
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eH4HQryzX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gyX4B6MPe
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkq5wocH5d
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzPwqP9Sms
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTsFv3e14F
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8ZsWjYsJE
"Aren't you going to do something?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYP7ie2zVr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOxPNq8tmS
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs2bazIRI4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPp6haPeP5
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcjyjFmnaN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVKNdhvVNt
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElFfP06hjI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHxe9jGSe9
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7FPTNxEa3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7blnzAvML2
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–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhcfOeSUtY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssrdo6k6NV
**BOOM**212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD27hGnDxqH
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbyuzNmIUn
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5XUEAh7hW
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEnCaqmN2t
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZTStlHkBO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJLrIVJ2er
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfaNv2KE9g
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH8Laq1SRX
"--?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nuQABvjAS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNdOibV7YE
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ1MK2HOc1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujdhiVs9jK
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFyeY4tDsX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwzdI0RvVh
"...Ehh."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDZvYZYQDR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWZR5V0CFz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjzvbOxCdV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn2T0YxYnN
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHFmnJ4Jl3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9fN0zwWCH
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YnyvwKf3I
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2XkJV3ChZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7y1EEt23V
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPYVBwPu8F
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8UTZtdYYT
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufEaF71U43
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiQR2yDvm2
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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and then Add to home screen.