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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2hCQMrRNX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduu4ktPIhb
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvItsNj9J0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nVzRNyg63
"Kid! Over here!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjdYSCNclW
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKYHHyjb9G
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysKqLuEwKS
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK16sai4069
"Ya ready!?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62VkjolxiZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIZwLmohiZ
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uYLUXFlXg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG2gBegSOK
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNajB73hKmw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK1RjeB0F1
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 place193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz9Jce6p7J
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdoMb0YucH
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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!?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QupmaXPGW
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmCD8QqJO3
YEAH!193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkzWOqTUBE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGItoZo0OvS
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgygKaZjZQC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJanzuednLV
"Ack!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpGwPO7CpE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJAWSb1rKJ
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4q8EO0KYR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1C1VXCaOM
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhc5pnl9bK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3RPF1wRLH
"R-Right!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76PRRgxOaj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB49UtLBSF
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvcTBg2ntL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURgJzpQa77
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqo2ugmf67
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bxubFifPO
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcqwwKe5DZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEUmKTtQCd
"Crap!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNrlg4pn89
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvubDYdmZPo
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXIscDdei4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcduBBxmsT
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNEa9mcDIJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQqyPvmGgk
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0Xxd0QWni
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCfKJZYQ2C
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua22Zb9ktX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJJKamhXud
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6LEkRJ2zH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwotp3IIG2
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxDzOVhK4o
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRUdufL0Yd
"L-Lola!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F9PaBJDNK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmgpG5vKxT
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpUwukUezh
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRknSeivXoi
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgOAIoXeT1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPXaqtms2B
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EXZPf9zOC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdULkCD6j6
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuHRRddoYK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRL4ExOtGy
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgJ2eyE24S
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkKdQSZAHj
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4WkFXfpX1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp48af2oFEl
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAlh5Mx9ZI
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–
–
–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBzsdtpcBa
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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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWvoDQVGPm
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFth3uTV8vq
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChURsdoVKR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclg70WMJVU
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwA2EAMtWh
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfdIpV0DV9
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeltebMm7uC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNOJTadWJj
"Do you have something you want to say?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tAL0qKPHp
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroyYWpNiGf
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW5abhmaEj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj1T6u8y1j
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4pRsfXwow
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5JZuheNye
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mdXmOXepB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe95cUWNMDu
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6D0gpeYGS
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2G9QJ7yKn
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0GoR8IO5H
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lREmRYQnJ
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAeXrEyHGg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1IQUzAZ6u
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DOC0NOSXZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48qKkfsiQx
"Call me Anima."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruALsaW6De
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kM0jHaKeS
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aJab7OOzB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4B0giW5WR
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnD09EM0jR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAvTpl9V4t
Then, the Harbinger dashed.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb1kNBB5WY
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwytRIG05R
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtElBSCeZ1J
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC2sWAzCKe
"Ngh!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxlPV8ZZdi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxldzcdbIkR
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–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa0WUx726g
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7myVHvpNW
**THUD**193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVPMTy3OJS
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpnkuaePgB
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0pc1DuTvu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5rUHe0PvH
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDjFxXPD5M
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuWKcLhSvx
"--!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK5OgAdWPp
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjDEFk7DZ1
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEXxebyPlT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqqvJOBzIF
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUVVsj46in
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2eRA43gP0
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkQ2tP7TnV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFnNwwtbbu
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7AxJw1pSn
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She had hit a wall.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLIcjqDqbt
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15EbN1KjpF
"--!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhdjKNKBJs
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd01tfvooEF
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–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqheHgp6qE
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**CLING**193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEB1EleHKB
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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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbPcUkcx60
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbLWkmwoRH
"Huh. I can't break free."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQtMSwl0fu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBr36eHn3e
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflL7UzliuQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvOdzR9ve4
"--Huh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzGDVDxqGw
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"Caught you!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLGo6rTBSb
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM47CCNgO6y
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJPwHLQr6D
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1QBxYGUTs
"You!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIUxShCJC9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxAobadhBu
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCthkAi8R0u
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa3X54SyaE
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHbpTo7Lg4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdsBJvrVix
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB25mSbHwcn
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhCudsjUlv
"Hrk!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpyinKtF7Q
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs42Ivm5dt
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrb1jb1TsZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWu7zzdGDi
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOMqwkVVOL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGufm5q1cM
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6vgQSSZbF
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNm5Ip27fW
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n1CsCIg4R
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwY9fmHZwn
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOLPvpS21S
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4MIjr39y7
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwXTlsnTEw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSofSMNuL4c
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl24k4wTCl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CuMn0EHfH
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8lWGxs2oV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrhAqUQsKo
"...This is irritating."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGtLHCDvuJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaVGQTAs4w
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbbstiJg8U
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdoui8DlRC
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn20vM9oUrl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYYlj9lqCb
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwEoelf8Wx
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Giving up became more and more alluring.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJSz5SAiJZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JfEJwceqW
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImaU1s7acl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxITa8acIi
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJvlFxGuOf
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqkNvFXukM
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5NLTL0L6k
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoPx3cuDCs
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9RizAjDY0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPnVDXZ5Xg
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNg4TQSO7U
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4CI9pbpDh
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOXBPxBtyE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t3i3LEXjQ
"...Unless, of course."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9EsZal2GK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzd1bbb04E
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4BWsEKIPl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkNo5xCZLw
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH16pwDsfcx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPh9mKd7jT
"I don't like what you're planning!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMnKkOkVyB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh31WeYvLeC
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XEGOk0VgQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAYZz3bSUq
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYZTuyQD7G
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpV9hG5gLD
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxPm4WK5Vo
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbNj4VxrQJ
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU5bn9gGjV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2LCorqOw8
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiznlleDwP
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLiZrizj4f
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–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfKyoIphfc
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHc4ynUVkd
**THUD**193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH1ndb0li0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtAdnmY3dO
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DwZJiwCXX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsbYt0i1EZ
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–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSD27SbwYl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43gLYD8PpJ
"--Hrk!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyjnKoPOB0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbe9YjB1ra
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T5zwC3UOE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly8adejQOk
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimBjFecV93
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb1DtISX27
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewxRNuBbvZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKsxXZRjyr
"This..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2TEyI1pl9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZjV2q7OGT
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYcALGVtx3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh2UtJj0nW
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZorMYSojf
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OVKzKsryj
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MeYXZtybH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpIreSdfyL
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlnOcPVrQt
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wJls7nGv9
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLvVzPA3C9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbCJuYTR96
"--sneaky!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p8asNCeD0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP8Vko8HVi
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ksNXT37uW
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQh1PM0l3t
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrY4Ebh4LP
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxufEkxYwKk
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirugb9hvIO
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGmreQpHnO
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ965o6THkjH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTmEccjEf2
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuGjuR6FFp
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroexxgJjYy
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16vHAMfuC0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn1W2xVpgf
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfKKC2Qz2F
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y6YjFOQrf
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQbajFLump
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzFxaawZAX
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuavMTmizlu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8EuPXRLw0
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8YKQT4A0P
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9BZFDokNm
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aY375mfWN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBORAHWxbtY
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgQWMfIaaC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpiUKFJKhb
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23PgjcedzT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiULgbL3wtD
"I win, though–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi1WV9B0SY
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiRhl8ZpYT
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkj2wjajFX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeUPYeKibI
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPhMZjUmi1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO0xsTrTXX
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQunCian0rO
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOosXXrCrKU
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4W7hpTpLr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKgPc17Wq2
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjLEEcFGNc
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jnsuzBNqR
"Can't move your legs?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HSIGFzDId
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTtQX4TDev
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLzhiiBzkf
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7mcbmyMC2
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNeJn0gwbf
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVGmXKh7p3
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLbCTMnSdh
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPUnAJBwIe
"Aren't you going to do something?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7quhkUBtd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQJpaFIK7b
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1jv8WdT8m
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJNZVgFc33
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMql5pWWQa
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRdSoIQghS
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep3QtDgOZm
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA5zXuv1mg
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1UWVi4jaI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0vSLOpfr9
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–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1uvVkV8GJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe6ybZcfF9
**BOOM**193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5jiNlFakb
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdEulEIs7P
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI46CFsqj0T
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8iJY07ZeJ
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWK2rk8hsj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbCOOktf49
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxpUEf3502
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOurJF7thfO
"--?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNyyFfD6Kx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYstMJmXSLO
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDb2tGrq5r
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bJnCmEyuE
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt1cFLqLSc
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhaMSAu2Am
"...Ehh."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1rPfTzW4N
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKH4p6anYl
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXmQ1UHQRU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfVMkA2DCL
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkJ893PjWJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbquc2I23Z
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGftcM3tx8
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkiOdcunRI
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOxplo1cnR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIWBn6tjfW
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJAV7ggKhV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR6vF0HHOr
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8oSpmUJDI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1knv7HFusY
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHNIz5OlUE
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