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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHkSsiKF3Q
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmoZae30zT
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNCTSgLLJa
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXoDDi1ycX
"Kid! Over here!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcjtnGOC7O
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNiA6uOBIW
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ntUuvjeGL
"Ya ready!?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMReJ1SLQV
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVYjsOeN5Y
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKYiXgWeQ8
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8q1xqSnQV
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu3MBP9xTW
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 place151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIOcKidoa8
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Fortunately, I was promptly answered.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn2esBgv0z
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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!?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWPKyOP6Ef
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YEAH!151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpqjnmXcAH
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15Yk90KbSh
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"Ack!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zaEOWdpLz
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jd4rm5t32
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPOdr2bjie
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"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qaugFQbag
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"R-Right!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJiHwgLZRd
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua7HRakTiJ
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2wdU4ba53
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tjaxkutny
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy0Jru9IEq
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L8lXnFAQo
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYVgLu2Nay
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"Crap!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSTe4hpDS9
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvdPnHA3Vo
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNOAiupPLv
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7QAO0sq4Z
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"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUAVOMIJdm
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0j7TDGmJ4
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1nu7bvJ9Q
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPttVEbOnnZ
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdR5EnTfMJ
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"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEXuNI9fVt
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO7uIFYWAK
"L-Lola!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rwoKPkgTt
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That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5ZaidnIGZ
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPOuH1ef3h
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHUfQ1jhTg
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMYfp9trQ1
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKLXkxBp2G
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCTBAxiWTa
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm1lNHNDiX
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBeNSvo8zP
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrPmvHxAXT
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37EFTpEUu8
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6ozqBYzSH
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68SZDZFy1X
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–
–
–151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01tm7HwZUl
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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?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqBnHWuCmO
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqctzOv4eT5
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosJN3GTrAS
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Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvluy3mqmi
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl044w2KX8
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"Do you have something you want to say?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GYN5QIvkL
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHf6hq37Ng
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"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1sC55I8Gj
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"Oh, please. You should already know my name."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKrhGDtusF
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"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVEZafQCMH
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xrjAYe6j2
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2c93ckBJf
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR29Bp1ZHu
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIhdLZrw4N
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKXA9ESnXq
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXaxoz0bdA
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEJ7je1kmw
"Call me Anima."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzUHqF87T7
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbS7WkQwtZ
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62Sl5APmpZ
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmLNoEk3ct
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqGpqLhRnn
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Then, the Harbinger dashed.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rcnPu5K3u
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Uw4xaO9kz
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmABDYaYNcR
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"Ngh!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiExIfvMlMm
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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–151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfjjbZvQmY
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**THUD**151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixhZeGl568
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONZPWk9wXt
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOAA06Oz7o
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5slly2dD3
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"--!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXmOG2h0fT
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy8rlYKUdA
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJotykXmj33
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsKXlS0srS
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDV5iK2I0e
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K0lVY9J0Z
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX0hEa72F8
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She had hit a wall.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGN4QgMqdr
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"--!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIispa1J4Fw
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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–151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrStFdZUss
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**CLING**151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds2BaBXvm5
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYcGiWfXLv
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"Huh. I can't break free."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWw5vU9NmI
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFeRDKyLop
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNOjUxnetB
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"--Huh?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgK6TqZSHn
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"Caught you!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGF33Hx0TH
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMdT5SkoGZ
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoCgflAhQr
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"You!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw3FebujPp
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfFGkuP8fO
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M6TXYbaWD
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ39aWLrB33
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiwmbDQFDE
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn2Spg9fmk
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6qRSFM73L
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"Hrk!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbBwMyCE6g
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2lNwrdGKn
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRnRBLo3q6
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJlvaClEf0
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyhO1J33aH
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoVgo1gQIa
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkFWRUzji0
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpMZBFlL0H
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOvgCJGRvf
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizgMqhehI5
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8j3KEhA6p
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhJE7Ih4Pq
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86xZ1TrxS5
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmor2TNFdQ
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EnzoTXzfP
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eC79EINwp
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"...This is irritating."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25pdZOmzGd
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVZdwSID0g
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLBo8GgdwX
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuHEDYUYtA
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5N3enD4fE
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU7X3VGBgg
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRvUDLJxCf
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Giving up became more and more alluring.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTzvwwv4fN
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK1CcSAVo9
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qMtFLqFIV
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83DgmmUZjE
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq2nivR6n3
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcnXCfmRtb
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmABmfL2gw
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHIGGqJSrU
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVYqZen1xQ
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6noRHfTx6f
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzN5Hbtx4m
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhvSIDrTSw
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HmbyQj9vq
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"...Unless, of course."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSKIUPgFVV
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2jKDeNisR
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ81qGuNfnl
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlErOAFh18
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"I don't like what you're planning!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbLyAN07Fk
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCtfOvL7BW
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QMWUG5dvK
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz0dZSgUwW
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho65lHshSW
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwSTU0Rbk6
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ClaVOnL2z
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V8B5XJoaK
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7aYjsRd7E
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0TBJoljch
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaci5rbzIxf
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawBg48kL6c
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–151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM8QVMbCv1
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUsDpRxmNs
**THUD**151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYPn4PdxQc
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIC6j4euGzK
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDg2H6vfIh
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–151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EM3ikkeGg
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"--Hrk!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOqkoVbYt2
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyd71E6yyu
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwWINGwv8p
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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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNKPLKnOtd
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpwWktivqp
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eqSMBXKJb
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcn5twvcGj
"This..."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfeZvPGXmN
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh1E7kRDiA
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop4VLLeMfK
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOFXWzvxbA
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK3SuFLUNM
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD5D6JbndN
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5LQZxVweA
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb8724ju5g
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGmq5LPGLf
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1AZQqRqDN
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8DeKLg3FI
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuYVZocFr7
"--sneaky!"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aszRfiB1k
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEr4LIEKELr
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgIktnhPuZ
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QD6gkZFfp
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8tleQ0bjA
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEEi1FCLHR
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi727oM5wIf
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1PM1GC5y4
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3bs7TX8FQ
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSNu7fRWcw
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YpazEjSGn
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFEob7v6xE
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuzpwMXKsS
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4cGjdQCl7
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GNSX2LyEI
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0ZXo1DN5R
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Pz03D3PI
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73lYO44yAm
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmPdE1zdfP
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dJlVCspi2
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGSjcHNrdt
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BFie4OzwS
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZc4CnqK0w
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53lFB4qRh3
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0opGtyQxCC
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZI4Y42J90
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5oqO38ghb
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9py7P0qt4T
"I win, though–"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuyXsASW7F
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIun3Ktt4MY
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseHqe8JDDE
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjKpGPSME3
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0dpY0LDpR
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9exPHLXlh9
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLcNbWdLgt
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRlLlsMlX4
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasDnpXLIsQ
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKRCtVkoql
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjN7kFaHLA
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur2ah1Wnjl
"Can't move your legs?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRsnf8ZHEQ
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMVKx89Tlc
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzohYA3vTL1
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTEZWOrHNM
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdITs7nU4i6
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoodI5xFVEn
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8036XYwsOr
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iKUhjQJ6M
"Aren't you going to do something?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1d9hcGyR9
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGY95xXebF
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUUUMRebs9
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoPECWGp5a
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBYbFGcgoM
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh14wBBsjzM
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZNYhdTqet
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2BTJHKLfS
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNFXBsaac4
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAWEXQTuks
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–151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBfGD78Y2k
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP4PjeLc5V
**BOOM**151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1Tflro34A
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr3nF3a6Os
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bn39YNajq
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR8vmPVtSV
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy5Ga60sXM
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JTh2rxw4T
"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."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2qlw4RtYq
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepCsCy6S40
"--?"151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h56x9Wjh8
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnnbVT1dRw
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHIGYcrvvv
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0kvIudSuZ
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46FaE6k54M
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"...Ehh."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C4ct4vAwM
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasW1EPtsAO
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo6eOgK8Hs
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Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshXZOG4tVM
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLDkr0rZPz
"..."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ed6efuT5X
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She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFPYEg7bdK
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTggpLKGa0w
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFDY7GxsWn
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dpDuMv1QF
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.151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4jUq0WvOb
151Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4QL6XpR3F
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
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