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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9c5vZ6E2V
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yYS9vagXj
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKcbX0NQ6P
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjverJSuqr
"Kid! Over here!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqhaRHrWwu
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYkleHWExG
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd2e2HTqx9
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtxgsRVMgJ
"Ya ready!?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSbeF2LixF
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDpVqkI1pb
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPYg6faf1w
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0wGJsZu7e
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7e0a39TC2
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiPNKvPp9f
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 place243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgBQ0tchmd
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbPQmVQyZx
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCH9HQv8Os
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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!?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gn5BKYRcH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxt84HggIS
YEAH!243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCdXjOAZjK
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnJ1zc5DIu
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KrZmuPHuU
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRffC8pQ6vL
"Ack!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbBnqU2Ysh
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ45Y9eZbRW
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwkURzlaW3
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3RWhQVJAH
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s02qRg5sf
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC4mrMf5aC
"R-Right!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DLu66c8jn
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNs6JYhW7m
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5r2UyyowP
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3hYh59rLW
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziGgn87wb7
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7XAWp169j
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZi9hshkZK
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUWAEr6MHH
"Crap!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zbl28Iqhw
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK05kE9BW27
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvwEdmqXbw
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW7nyrwsD3
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFxIsM5oGx
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VaY9thzdW
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksIelSbpoA
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9uuxaH3Ql
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91dmDdjndh
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KcUEDlQQP
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjAjRprG1N
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblk9Tou4Q0
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtusORp4wVS
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJkrnaDeJL
"L-Lola!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxzPAgo5NC
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41ky9YJMu0
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE6ZbGHG0K
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU9CscULfH
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhT8L3TUib
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC7G4EjDZX
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kA4Xt7zHd
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJgks5yH9b
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WbjfUfgha
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqJaRTDSGg
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVjrrX6qVF
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdxuMnMXmN
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJId7f8YpKO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPZ9nqWv1K
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai9r99q44u
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–
–
–243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz26kFLrYaM
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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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmALBqDWqA0
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPBtyzRSTw
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvheUxofrj
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ7rEz0JkR
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJFEnHiwem
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Hro4hjdI
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9dfvOlon1
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXP1CePNPP
"Do you have something you want to say?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N8qgjjNNE
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL9zSmNGAJ
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdWaYSCRcG
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7xGrji6Ob
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpaqOrplga
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGhDGVnEHP
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP6ABkjyYX
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lxLlUdLd5
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN820Hh7S77
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmUFzmQQ8x
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGk2DsfScl
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLVP3jT8Kx
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnwo9rHOyp
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vy44njS4w
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ8Komqxdy
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf1THBHjSF
"Call me Anima."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMJAybXQpD
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva16mruQ0E
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQVBLloZAV
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8ygQAjwgf
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW0KdQ9402
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYH0Dst98o
Then, the Harbinger dashed.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog4wj8dG43
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSTW5Tn0Kn
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMQVVjrc3A
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp6Oy1E6tx
"Ngh!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIauknSIDbK
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS6XHaQiqp
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–243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIktXwvndUR
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21dmWJB3k8
**THUD**243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfLCkTvhy8
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizMhlGsmAC
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCmW9iYWtB
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7RLENbgr0
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk90xHmxKG
"--!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0WsDsQqGM
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfPDTACniT
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtfbZtTY91
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIR668j9zd
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxB3I3YwYU
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7zz5osjWE
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXIhS2jTlC
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XMP8UkrOv
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg2U57mDH1
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She had hit a wall.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg07tPty4o
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"--!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqKIvCu11C
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgEw4nbPzs
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–243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFkMP3lfpp
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXlBuM70DG
**CLING**243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPsGRT9d2U
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3oixSnswW
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl533F9nORU
"Huh. I can't break free."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxEdwDmrwP
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxl5TJYOYI
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2pEHoXv44
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"--Huh?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgXQXXveQc
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"Caught you!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rOFVomnta
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSIDTy8UPq
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjAILMfYRm
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnIeelGD82
"You!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9SCLmNePz
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9edq01K0u
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zV5XIXWAg
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVFBX2DLZA
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK4DtvF2rd
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0tM3SfJcG
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRDOW3sJMn
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cbiQIl9QW
"Hrk!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvrAV9j1qQ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHdAPA6ZXl
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWrhRR9bVU
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmEp7GnR2o
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodUcuiEFjF
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaEqvgklOM
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsf4kk4tta
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2Eo1m7sck
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlhJ4dDNHE
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwJCyHLTg5
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tzFXzT2in
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkC0RIZTei
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC6UBGTH6P
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDubRKvsUyI
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58JGi7y54e
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuQ3lm6Ki0
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzWGY4jvPJ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LNWuegkBr
"...This is irritating."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSSOmmBuYw
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL8M8MBjZu
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GzeUOBaS5
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtvxxMqiea
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzalQ9YkDC3
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3CkX6AVfx
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopMm3yCYcs
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Giving up became more and more alluring.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJlQId8LuT
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK5L69113m
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YQuUvvYgc
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHoZTVIadi
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZNoq51BaA
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN0FLRNAfA
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVoXqyYXhJ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XAD2z2taE
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWumQZtFuI
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1fxnTCyuu
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC7kpCw1Li
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71Adb79xJb
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqrsPZLCvh
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"...Unless, of course."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSu0pUv1Qz
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtivAHWZuDO
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuBulVoFJp
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgOWYUmRY1
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi5wYcrs4x
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW3pO16ePg
"I don't like what you're planning!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yYDKifNN4
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10u40drF9K
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E0Kkcb0Gl
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VdMvnxHuS
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuufWaOb2hH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4VVuMu9pj
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH18NyKjdb
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1BklGR3Q4
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIG5mCcMJZ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTk7MdnrsF
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoA06w0TKj
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BHqdAdYvW
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–243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y4LzyW5xA
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeT4Bg1kuN
**THUD**243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z4THEoFaY
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6zSQejJs3
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkteRaidQip
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgDIDA3cTh
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–243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgruhGVU4Xg
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdHasZrCUo
"--Hrk!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQwyNscHXX
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAPTxHyXT7
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NYk2RBGe5
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCsuVyKvP0
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yz0HjbUmW
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt6Hxwd7Pp
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRH2ZyaFA6
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoKm3jMAPk
"This..."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWNOnxbSrU
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQfLH5G86S
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmO9gPhENC
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS75OPiD0i
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Lgq2whYy8
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCd9HWQDWj
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnkksZxlBv
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDek7AkQ2g
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtmmYiiqi5
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVUmXrwtQv
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFoLCs2CCe
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15mVDQPeJH
"--sneaky!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGG4VGqVVWg
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoOOly77t0
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8NhIizPNm
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzaN9ISSNJ
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6tc85waKt
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHO6RvM8lz
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JJYgH4WcZ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIlNmFaEU1
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LVfcay1VS
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fCFEqei3U
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlOLjCo6jD
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1kO5EO7W3
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCOuc5aAt3
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEKV2aYbAS
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyhYrfHMra
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNvKDBqpD8
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdnkfGddLy
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RJmNDkr8p
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSetMY3SHR
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim4pyMwbZq
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZLRQhFxhC
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CXcokX9cJ
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d4ZQcaOMp
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIh6WPwMzP
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDHfik9z0R
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ARM6eqc6q
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEYZG6vezr
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC4YZi01wS
"I win, though–"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25CPqc3NzK
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI3txIzjmQ
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SJ6Z7dpc7
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpqdMgsIEE
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyOiiEXQD4
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt86T3a8TPb
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEOJHT88An
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡall60ulgHd
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlKcjfJOZ6
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJgdT4DqsQ
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WMSRHwcZ3
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHY0lwvMga
"Can't move your legs?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCEAFbJnZb
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCExNMZSed
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp3MXhY0SJ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6NTKSqBLT
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwQWEmw0MI
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfUqDpsApP
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf0Pa917uV
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9PHyEETyo
"Aren't you going to do something?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVJyVWMPuy
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDzJVTG42m
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03yVjvb6LV
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmzOUuMVbf
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmRJbIRYhX
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1aH0L2HXi
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1S02Z8ZwU
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfhdYj7byG
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H8umNtIIa
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLcxvgUwlz
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–243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgsRJgLP4c
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rZQziK2Dd
**BOOM**243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhjxdD7KRx
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrVNAgdxj4
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0U5d8KqIe
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvxz8CLMVO
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjKic7txCN
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjih72lBLE
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxmfkRhmMS
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWWQNQiLRi
"--?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DoF1IaSRl
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLpcTwkeaF
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSHeJ8Vi7j
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsXqYFF5tU
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAgUhDz040
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbaAJMpasr
"...Ehh."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXU22wGArJ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUBl70hn4N
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZD0iBFQr8
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g66nfi2JH
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WtWpKbJwG
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lcW4bCjo3
"..."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp2feR6uRJ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmg39B3ezSH
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnJiRRkhmD
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMjsSUV1iX
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MjmBZN4zH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGsHGPniJJ
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyc1QrF18w
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9em6yHyqk
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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